adapted from “Advent at the Kids Table” by The Welcome Table

One of my favorite Christmas movies is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Maybe you like this movie, too? The Grinch is so annoyed by the joy of Christmas that he does all he can to ruin Christmas for everyone else. On Christmas Eve, he dresses up like Santa and sneaks into the village of Whoville to steal all the Christmas he can possibly fit on his sleigh.

The Grinch is sure that this will stop the Whos from celebrating on Christmas morning. But then the people of Whoville celebrate Christmas anyways – without the presents and trees, or the tinsel and feast that the Grinch took from them while they were sleeping. The Grinch is confused, and he wonders how Christmas came anyway: 

“It came without ribbons, it came without tags. 

It came without packages, boxes or bags. 

Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. 

Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” 

The Grinch is right! Christmas means much, much more! 

Even if there were no presents, no trees, no lights, or even Christmas songs on the radio, Christmas would still come, because the hope of Christmas is not found in things – it is found in love.  

Love is the spark that makes hope possible. Jesus is God’s love and hope born into the world. 

You are also God’s love and hope born into this world. As you continue in the Advent journey, don’t forget that the love you share is another way of bringing God’s hope and peace into the world. 

• Love can be found in the simple, small gestures we share. What are some ways that you can share love with those around you this week? (for example: a smile, saying a kind word, opening a door for someone else.) 

• How do small acts of love and kindness help you to see God’s love?

Make hot chocolate together as a family. Enjoy your festive treat while watching one of your favorite Christmas movies together.