Monday, December 6, 2010

There are Some Words that Ring Like Bells in My Soul

Last night, between the Colts and Ravens games, my family and I watched the LDS, First Presidency Christmas Devotional.  The Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and his two counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf talk about Christmas.  As many of you might have guessed, my wife can't miss it.

   
       Henry Eyring           Thomas Monson          Dieter Uchtdorf

President Uchtdorf said, "There are some words that ring like bells in my soul and remind me of the beauty and meaning of Christmas... There are other words more cautionary that are worthy of our consideration as well.  Words such as, "Every Who down in Who-ville, liked Christmas a lot.  But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville did not."...  Perhaps the Grinch story is so memorable because if we're honest we may be able to relate to him.  Who among us has not felt concern over the commercialization and even greed of the Christmas season?... we can almost hear ourselves say in unison with the Grinch, why for 53 years I've put up with this now 'I MUST find some way to stop Christmas from coming' but how?"  To see the devotional in full you can go to http://lds.org/video/fpcd/index.html

It's no secret to those who read my post that President Uchtdorf was talking about people like me.  I agree with Dr. Sheldon Cooper in saying, "I found the Grinch to be a relatable, engaging character. And I was really with him right up to the point that he succumbed to social convention and returned the presents and saved Christmas. What a buzzkill that was.''  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuyljCxdFUs

Obviously, President Uchtodorf went on to say that we should not be like the Grinch, but should focus on the good of the holiday season.  So, over the rest of December I'm going to post some of my favorite parts of Christmas (I doubt it'll be everyday, or I'll run out of material).  I'll start with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  I like both the book and movie.  I find the Grinch to be a relatable character, right up until he gives the presents back and saves Christmas.  Fa la la la la, la la, la, la.

5 comments:

  1. Christmas totally is about the experience versus what you actually get. I love just being around my friends and family. :D

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  2. I love the Grinch! Just playing Devil's advocate (which I do), but I love buying a little something special for people I really like - and Christmas is an excuse that allows me to forget birthdays (blushes in shame). Well, there it is.

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  3. I can relate to the Grinch in more ways than one...

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  4. I appreciate Grinch's heart. It's the classic conversion story, a Saul to a Paul story, even a sort of reboot of Dickens' Christmas Carol. Grinch reminds me of my Dad.

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  5. @ Horati,
    I'm totally with you here. For this reason, I love the Fourth of July more.

    @Maundering
    Haha. Well, there it is. I will say that gift giving, if done as it was intended, is a lot of fun. Something you have put a lot of time in to and you know they'll love.

    @Missy
    Hey, me too. What ways are you talking about exactly?

    @dbs
    You would bring out the real meaning of the story. And, I will say that every year, by the end of it, I find the true meaning of Christmas again and am less bugged.

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