An easy read.

Tis the season and I would like to post some of my favorite Christmas quotes from both songs and movies to help us remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Yes, everyone goes on and on about the true meaning of Christmas, but clearly it needs to be restated because every year without fail, we get lost in all the hullabaloo of presents and Santa and reindeer. (and if you're like me Disney's Frozen is on that list too.)

I will try to share a favorite memory or story that goes along with each quote. The first on my list is a family favorite.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

 Each year my brother Rick and I would watch the Grinch. I specifically remember one year watching it almost EVERY day. We would turn on the Christmas tree, get bundled up in our favorite blankets and watch The Grinch. Soon our eyes became heavy and we would doze off until the finishing credits would blast so loud they'd wake us up. No matter how many times we would watch it, I can still remember the part where the Grinch finally realized what made Christmas so special.

"It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags." (Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before) "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas (he thought) means a little bit more"

My next favorite Christmas movie is...

Charlie Brown Christmas.

If you don't know my Dad, you should. That's all there is to it. He is without a doubt the funniest person I know. He is also the one person I know who can be so annoying yet hilarious at the same time. He is the person in our family that can bring everyone together no matter how angry, spiteful or stubborn we are. But through all of his ridiculous games and jokes he has a tender countenance that resembles the spirit of Christ. My Dad has an unshakable testimony and undoubtedly cries during every tender moment in every movie. During Charlie Brown Christmas he would always rewind the loud dancing scenes then make all of the kids get up and try to imitate the Charlie Brown Characters dance moves. We would do this for hours and laugh until our sides hurt, but during the final scene he would quiet us all down, grab some tissues and watch Linus perform his tender scene in the Christmas play.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night, and lo the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid, and the angel said unto them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, tis Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men." That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Sheesh, this post is getting kind of lengthy, and here you are thinking "wow, she titled it an easy read, rookie mistake." But with that being said, I will post just one more quote, the lyrics to my all time favorite Christmas song. It is sung through the voice of the Innkeeper that turned Mary and Joseph away the night baby Jesus was born.

Let Him In (Forgotten Carols).

"I am a man forgotten, no one recalls my name, thousands of years will fail to fully erase my shame. But I turned a profit nicely the day that I turned the couple away, I turned them away. I didn't sleep that evening though I'd sold out my place somehow I felt uneasy something about her face. Why did I wish that I'd let them stay? I didn't think they could pay or could they have paid? Restless, I left my bedroom I walked the streets all night. Lost in the world I lived in, found by a heavenly light. Staring at one bright star in the sky I heard a baby cry and I knew where that cry had come from 'cause I'd told them where they could go. I didn't think I could face them so I walked slowly home. Missing my chance to share in their joy, I never saw the boy. He never would condemn me, I did that all on my own. He offered His forgiveness, and ever since then, I've known. That He lets us choose each hour of each day if we'll let Him in to stay, let Him in. And whether it be in your world today or a crowded Bethlehem Inn, find a way make Him room let Him in."


Find a way, we can make room for Him. Let Him in.