A Lesson from Whoville

Christmas time was magical when I was a child. I remember playing seasonal vinyls on my parents’ old massive stereo in the living room and dancing under the warm glow of the Christmas tree lights. Christmas morning was filled with presents, laughter and sweets–all treasured memories I am very grateful for.

Another nostalgic memory I loved were the Christmas specials that came on network television. I would anticipate watching old favorites like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and of course, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 

Even today, I tear up watching the Whos down in Whoville gleefully celebrate Christmas after the Grinch had stolen all their presents, decorations and festive food. As a kid, I couldn’t fathom how they were still so keen to celebrate–I would’ve been devastated! But as an adult, it is a gentle reminder that celebration can come after devastation.

For believers in Jesus, we know and may have memorized Bible verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus,” or Psalm 34:1 “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.” In a sense, this is how the Whos responded, and how we are to respond in all circumstances.

One biblical character who exemplifies this so well is Job. Through no fault of his own, Job faced tragedies of epic proportions, losing his wealth, his children and his health within a very short timespan. Despite these devastating losses, he chose to praise God. Of course he had questions–who wouldn’t? But even at the lowest gut-punching moment of anguish, when his wife and friends were urging him to curse God and die, Scripture tells us: 

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong” (Job 1:20-22).

And:

“I would even exult in pain unsparing, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One” (Job 6:10).

Job never lost faith in God’s goodness. May we praise God after life’s devastations as Job did. And as we watch The Grinch this Christmas season alone, or with family and friends, may the Whos down in Whoville also remind us to be thankful and celebrate in all circumstances.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. What am I thankful for this Christmas season?

2. This side of heaven, life will always be full of disappointments, difficulties and devastations. What are some that I am facing right now?

3. If I were to compare myself to the Whos down in Whoville, or to Job, what has been my typical response to life’s challenges? Do I automatically respond in worship with a grateful heart? Do I question God like Job? Or do I respond some other way?

4. What are some ways I can grow to respond more with thankfulness and worship in all circumstances?

Feel free to Pray With Me:

Heavenly Father, thank you for wonderful childhood Christmas memories. Thank you too, for the lessons from Job and even from Whoville to respond in worship and thankfulness no matter the circumstances. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to grow in this area, to become more like the Whos and Job–and ultimately, more like You, Jesus. In Your name I pray, Amen.

*Scripture is all ESV