Luke 6:45 “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good…”
I adore Christmas: twinkling lights on the rooftops, ornaments made long ago by tiny hands, Christmas carols blaring, and yes, even sappy Hallmark movies.
Recently, I watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (Disclaimer: If by any small chance you have not seen it, stop now and watch it or forfeit your right to complain when I spoil the ending.) The Grinch hated everything about Christmas. As the song says, his “heart was an empty hole.” So, the Grinch lived alone on the outskirts of the Christmas-obsessed town of Whoville. In anger, the Grinch stole every symbol of Christmas from Whoville. But, to his surprise, the town celebrated without gifts, decorations, or Christmas feast. And despite it all, little Cindy Lou Who and all Whoville offered the Grinch the best Christmas gifts ever: unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. After receiving these gifts, the heart of the Grinch grew three times its size and he came to the realization, “Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
In Scripture, greedy Zacchaeus most likely lived a lonely Grinch-type life. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, stole from the people of Jericho. But in Luke 19, we find Zacchaeus attempting to fill the hole in his heart by seeking Jesus. He so desperately wanted what Jesus offered that he climbed a tree. On the day he encountered Jesus, the heart of Zacchaeus must have grown three times its size, because Jesus gifted him unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. And, like the Grinch, Zacchaeus came to the realization that, “Maybe a life in Christ, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
Perhaps there are those who have hurt you, stolen your happiness, and closed the door on your relationship. Consider gifting them the greatest gifts of all: love, forgiveness, and mercy. Just like the Grinch and Zacchaeus, maybe their hearts will be transformed by the gifts of our Savior. And in return, you will rediscover happiness and peace.
So, for all procrastinators, while scrolling for Christmas gift ideas, try googling “the Heart of Jesus,” because what the world needs now is a bigger heart!
Father God, help us give the best gifts: love, forgiveness, and mercy. May all hearts be changed by Your love.
Blessings for the heart of Jesus,
Rita Cochrane