HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000)

Directed by: Ron Howard
Written by: Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman
Studio: MCA/Universal Pictures
Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Bill Irwin
Rated: PG

About the film:
This holiday film is a live action version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale about a curmudgeonly creature that so despises Christmas that he sets out to steal it. He succeeds in stealing all the trappings of the holiday season but learns a valuable lesson when he fails in stealing the reason for the season.

Movie Quote:
“You can’t hurt Christmas, Mr. Mayor, because it isn’t about the gifts or the contest or the fancy lights… I don’t need anything more for Christmas than this right here: my family.”
Lou Lou Who (Bill Irwin) in How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Bible Quote:
“See to it that no one takes you captive though hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world rather than on Christ.”
Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

Commentary:
True, there’s not much Christian accuracy on display in How The Grinch Stole Christmas but the sentiment expressed by Lou Lou Who comes closest. Christmas is not about the lights or the gifts… but it also isn’t just about having our family around us.

Don’t get me wrong. No one loves this holiday season more than I. But there’s at least one thing that I love more – Truth. While our Christmas traditions may be enjoyable and festive, few of them are based upon an accurate understanding of the birth of Christ.

In fact, many of the Christmas traditions which are recognized and practiced today have their origins in pagan worship, including the decoration of fir trees and even the date used to mark the annual day of celebration.

Still, Christmas Day is a major cultural event so why shouldn’t we use this day to give thanks to God for blessing us with His son? Just so long as we keep the traditions of men in their proper perspective by not exalting them above the truth of God that we can find by studying His Word.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What other Christmas traditions can be traced to pagan origins?
2. Why must we be on guard against human traditions and the principles of the world? What is the danger to us?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com