Two Sizes Too Small

The Grinch. He has become one of the most widely recognized symbols of Christmas. Every Christmas season, you will likely hear somebody say, “don’t be a Grinch.” This character is the subject of a children’s book by Dr. Seuss, a few different movie adaptations, and has become one of the most recognizable figures of pop culture. 

You know the story. The Grinch had a problem. What was his problem? He hated Christmas. Why did he hate Christmas? His heart was two sizes too small. Although it was hypothesized that the Grinch’s shoes might be too tight or maybe his head wasn’t screwed on just right, the heart of his issue was, well, his heart. 

You and I have never been to Whoville, don’t live at the top of Mount Crumpit, and don’t have green, furry skin. However, we have something in common with the Grinch; we, too, have a heart problem. The nature of our heart problem is different, however. Our heart is not two sizes too small, but it is “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). 

You have probably heard the advice, “follow your heart.” This is a well-intentioned but misguided principle. Since we have a sinful nature and fight the flesh even after we are saved, the heart can be misguiding. Following your heart could mean following sin and going against God’s will. Our hearts cannot be trusted, for they are deceitful above all, desperately sick, and not understandable. 

So, if this is the condition of our heart, what is the solution? Our solution is actually similar to the Grinch’s. The Grinch’s heart grew when he realized the true meaning of Christmas. The Grinch finally recognized that “Christmas…doesn’t come from a store.” He thought, “ What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” When the Grinch admitted this, he became a warmer person who celebrated Christmas along with the Whos; and, yes, his heart grew three sizes!

However, even though his heart grew, the Grinch still did not understand the real meaning of Christmas. For you and me, the true promise of Christmas is the medicine our sin-sick heart needs. 

When the angel spoke to Joseph of Jesus’ birth, he said, “you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus came into this world to save sinners (Luke 5:32, 1 Timothy 1:15). That term, sinners, is a broad term. It applies to everyone who has ever lived on earth except one person: Jesus Christ. We have all rebelled against God and stand separated from Him, guilty of a countless list of transgressions. 

But God loves the world so much He sent Jesus to be born as a baby, grow, live a sinless life, and die on a cross, taking on our sin and the punishment that you and I deserve. He was killed, but three days later, He rose victorious, putting all the rulers and principalities of darkness to shame (Colossians 2:15). Praise God, the baby that was born in a manger is alive today sitting at the right hand of the Father. 

Now, anyone who comes to Christ receives a new heart. If anyone is in Christ, that man, woman, or child becomes a brand new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We receive the promise of Ezekiel 36:26: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Friend, you have access to the true meaning of Christmas, the greatest free gift ever that the Grinch did not receive. Through submitting yourself to Jesus, you can receive a new heart. He will make you new, and your sin will be forgiven. This Christmas season, will you receive this gift given by the Son of God?