Christmas Eve + Lessons and Carols
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols
December 24, 2023
Dr. Seuss’s book, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, is a must-read in our home this time of year.
But why is this grouchy creature who lives in the solitary confines of a deep, dark cave so loved by children and adults alike? Well, it may be because we all feel and channel our inner Grinch at one time or another, especially around Christmas. In fact, Dr. Seuss said that he himself was the inspiration for this curmudgeon of a beast.
You see, leading up to writing the book, Dr. Seuss’ wife had fallen ill, and her illness changed how he viewed the approaching Christmas. He became sad as he saw a world growing greedy and obsessed with presents, money, and toys.
Are you obsessed with presents, money, and toys under the tree as this Christmas arrives?
If so, why do you fret over these things of the world? Why do they consume you?
Is it fear?
Fear is a troubling thing. For some of us, we fear our gifts will fall short. For others, we fear how this season of gift-giving will affect our overall finances. Yet, for others, like Dr. Seuss, our fear has nothing to do with presents under a tree; it’s the struggle of being unable to heal or bring a loved one back to health.
Fear is a real darkness we all struggle with.
However, the angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary this night is also for you: “Do not be afraid.”
Or as the Greek translates it, “Stop being afraid, for you have found favor with God.”
“Favor” is another way of saying, “You have found grace with God.”
This is your joy at Christmas that the grace, forgiveness, and mercy of your heavenly Father has come down from heaven and is now revealed to you in the incarnation of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
So, hear again the angelic greeting to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people.”
And “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Tonight, we rejoice again as we celebrate our Savior's birth because, on this night, He brought heaven to earth.
On this night, He begins His journey to the cross, where He will take into Himself all your greed and want, all the ails of body and soul, and all your fears so that you might receive His peace – His forgiveness and mercy.
There is no greater gift than this.
Sure, a million Grinches could take your presents in an attempt to steal Christmas. If you aren’t careful as you survey the world around you, the very Grinch within could cast fear and doubt within your heart and lead you into the confines of the world's darkest cave.
But as you light your candle this night, remember these words for such a moment as this, “Jesus Christ is the light of the world. The light, no darkness shall overcome.”
And the darkness of this world did not overcome Him, but rather, this child born of Mary overcame this world of sin and death for you.
May this joy be your peace and comfort as you return to your homes this night. +INJ+
Merry Christmas!
