3 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

Christmas season is upon us, which means all of our favorite Christmas movies are playing non-stop for the next month. 

One of my all-time favorites is Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Whether it’s the book, the 1966 cartoon, or the 2000 Jim Carrey version, I love them all because they teach such a great lesson about the importance of posture for our heart, hands, and home this Christmas. 

For this special Christmas blog post, I’m giving my best shot at sharing a new lesson from the Grinch in a way that honors both Christ and Dr. Seuss. 

How to Avoid Being a Grinch-mas this Christmas!

Open Your Heart

As we all know the story, it was Christmas time that the Grinch hated,

Because his heart was too small, his attitude was always frustrated.

This Christmas, skip having a Grinch-sized heart that’s 2 sizes too small,

And let's all start off right by doing a heart check before we engage in a brawl.

When we reflect on the lesson the Grinch learned from the Whos,

We are reminded that it’s our heart posture, we get to choose. 

To avoid showcasing our own Grinch’s negative side,

Let’s prepare our hearts to love all people far and wide. 

Step one to check our hearts is to state the truth we can so easily forget.

Christmas isn’t about presents, but Christ’s coming to earth as a ransom for our debt. 

When we focus on what Christ has done for sinners like us,

Our hearts will also grow three, four or five sizes plus. 

So before you engage with shopping, stores or a family member…

At the end of the day, here is what you and I need to remember: 

Spend time in God’s word and pray daily with vigor,

And as your relationship deepens, your heart will grow bigger. 

Open Your Hands and Home

But wait, we’re not done learning our Christmas lesson,

Internal faith without works hordes external blessings. 

Remember in the movie version, the Whos were actually quite mean.

They made fun of and ostracized the Grinch because of his hygiene. 

Because he was different they associated with him not,

Which sparked his negative view of Christ-mas quite a lot. 

But Cindy Lou had the heart to see, notice, and invite the Grinch,

When everyone else in town kept their eyes and hands tightly cinched. 

She was kind to the Grinch even when his attitude and body odor stank,

Because the fruit of the Spirit for love, patience, and kindness in her heart took rank.

Cindy Lou’s open heart, eyes, and hands led her to give an invite with kindness,

Which turned on the light for the darkened Grinch’s heart to finally end his blindness. 

Serve Others

During this season, continue to go to church and pray for others, 

Plan time with your fathers, sisters, mothers, and brothers. 

But also know that your work here isn’t done,

Take action to serve others in a way that reflects the love of the Son. 

In Matthew 25, Jesus told us how we as believers should be,

He reminds us that whatever we do “to one of the least of these…you did it to me.” 

This Christmas give away smiles, forgiveness and even volunteer hours,

And feel how the growing presence of God, Son, and Spirit your heart empowers. 

So this Christmas remember to not only check your heart posture within,

But to also serve others with open hands, wallets, homes, or a call to check-in. 

By actually living out the practices of loving God and others that we preach,

God only knows how many small Grinch’s hearts will grow because of your reach. 

Merry Christmas!

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Love & Serve People.

Rocks before Sand!

P.S. In case you're wondering, not one word, thought, or idea of this amateur poem was written with AI.

Scripture: 

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” ~ Matthew 25:40

Theme Song: 

Brandon Heath - Give me Your Eyes

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Animated Read-Along

References Used:

• The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
• The book, 
• The 1966 cartoon, 
• The 2000 Jim Carrey version