Journey Toward Joy || A Grinchy Christmas || Part 2

First, let’s talk about the Magi. Today, our focus is Matthew 2:10, which says, “When the wise men saw the star, they were filled with joy.” It’s to hear that they were filled with joy, considering why they were on this journey to start. Earlier in Matthew 2, King Herod heard of Jesus’ birth and the meeting he had with the wise men and ordered them to find Jesus and make him aware of where he was. You might not know, but Herod didn’t celebrate this news. He was fearful of Jesus’ birth because this supposed baby would be King, which means Herod wouldn’t. I can only imagine the fearful demand that Herod gave to the wise men and the fear they had themselves deciding whether or not to follow the order. Yet, they saw the star brimming with joy.

Now, let’s talk about the Whos. The Whos in Whoville is getting ready for their own Christmas celebration. They put up their trees, hang ornaments, hang garlands, prepare dinners, and buy and wrap gifts. While this is going on, we see the Grinch watching them scatter through the town like ants on an ant farm. All the joy and happiness weren’t doing anything for that grinchy heart. He plans to stop things, coming to steal the gifts, the trees, and the decorations, including the star. If you noticed, I didn’t mention them putting the star on the tree in their decorating. Why? The star is usually the last thing we put on when it comes to our tree. Placing that star on the tree signifies completion, and what do we feel after decorating for Christmas other than fatigue. Joy!

It’s weird to look at these two stories, two completely different journeys, and notice similarities simultaneously. Some of you may say I did that intentionally, and you’re right. I did this to show us that these journeys can represent us. Some of us may celebrate Christmas with joy. Some of us may have grief associated with Christmas. Some of us may not celebrate Christmas at all. Yet, the Christmas holiday still shows up in the same spot on the calendar for all of us. Something I’ve heard during the beginning of the pandemic that I’ve never forgotten goes is this: “We’re all going through the same storm. We’re just in different boats.” I genuinely believe that this applies to the Christmas season. While we all see the Christmas season some go, we still see it differently.
If this Christmas season is tough on you, I want to acknowledge you. I want you to feel like you are shining above the holiday bustle. I want you to know that I feel for you, and while I want to remove that toughness for you, I can’t. I also want you to know that this church, the little “c” church here in Clio, and the big “C” church, all across the world that see this, also see you. Can I encourage you to reach out if you’re having a tough time this season?

If you know someone is having a tough Christmas season, I want to challenge you. Reach out to them. See if there’s anything you can do to lighten their darkness (which is a hint for next week’s message). Anything includes listening, talking, joking, making a meal, baking cookies, singing carols, and participating in a mission project. The list is endless.

I believe that we can find joy if we look hard enough. It may take a while and a lot of eye strain, but I believe it’s there. I pray that your journey is a safe, healthy, and joyful this Christmas season. Amen