Week One - Christmas at the Movies Advent Devotion

Scripture: John 3:2-3 (The Voice)

John: "Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is near." John’s proclamation fulfilled a promise made by the ancient prophet Isaiah, who had said, “There will be a voice calling from the desert, saying, Prepare the road for the Eternal One’s journey; repair and straighten out every mile of our God’s highway.”

Movie Quote

Cindy-Lou Who says, “But the book does say the Cheermeister is the one who deserves a backslap or a toast. And it goes to the soul at Christmas who needs it most. And I believe that soul is the Grinch. And if you’re the Whos I hope you are, you will too.”

Reflection

The people of Whoville gave up on the Grinch. They became so wrapped up in the consumerism and sparkle of Christmas, that they forgot what Christmas is all about. It takes a little girl to point them back to the right path. She is the only one remembering the true hope of Christmas. She sees how connection and forgiveness can change everything, even in one as cynical and mean-spirited as the Grinch.

She is like John the Baptist. She is a voice crying out in the darkness showing the power of hope to bring transformation. Her willingness to expect the best of her people and her unwillingness to give up on the Grinch changed them all. The Grinch saw the error of his ways (repent for the kingdom is near). The Grinch embraced the hope and his “heart grew three sizes that day.”

Questions

How can you be a Cindy-Lou Who expecting people to share Christmas hope with those who need it most?

How can you be a John the Baptist pointing others to the good news – salvation, forgiveness, hope - of Jesus Christ this Christmas?

How does your heart need to grow like the Grinch this Christmas?

Prayer

God, please help us see others the way Cindy-Lou Who saw the Grinch. Let our lives point others to you with the passion of John the Baptist. Open us up to your hope, so our hearts will grow and be transformed this Christmas. In the hope of Christ Jesus, amen.