In the 1957 Christmas classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” we read about the grumpy and grouchy main character, the Grinch.

We quickly learn that he hates Christmas. As Dr. Seuss puts it, “the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.”

While the author was a “Dr.,” I don’t think this condition was a medical diagnosis. The Grinch did not have a “small heart” health problem in need of a procedure. The issue for the Grinch was that he didn’t understand what Christmas was all about.

Today, many people are also dealing with a heart issue. Just like the Grinch, their heart needs an adjustment. And, like the Grinch, they don’t understand what Christmas is all about either.

When our focus is on presents and food, fun and just a break from the everyday routine of life, we miss out on the true meaning of the season. Christmas has become about “stuff” — what we ask for and what we want.

By the end of the story, we read “that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.” That took place as the Grinch learned that Christmas “doesn’t come from a store.”

The true meaning of Christmas is about giving. The ultimate gift was the birth of a baby, who entered this world to take care of all our heart issues.

Jesus Christ, who was born in those humble beginnings over two thousand years ago, came to bring us light and life.

Dr. Seuss taught us a great lesson is this timeless work, but through the pages of The Bible we read about the Great Physician, who came to be The Word. He came to “dwell among us,” as we read in John 1:14. He also came to save us from our sins.

This Christmas, allow your hearts to grow! Allow the true meaning of Christmas to be your focus. Celebrate the perfect gift of the Savior of the World and accept the light and life that only He can bring!