Christmas 2022
by Robert Becker
The modern day story of a Grinch and a Scrooge
arrived in Washington D. C.
two thousand and sixteen,
bolstered by a hateful cast of
Jordan, Cruz, Gosar, Hawley and Greene,
aided and produced by the pillow man,
Giuliani, and others who abandoned
and seem to condemn
what the Christ Child
represents for us in our day.
The children at Zion Lutheran
articulated the message
that Grinches, Scrooges and supporters
really need to hear,
the message that the Christ child
brought for all of us,
a babe neither white nor caucasian
simply human in every way,
to forgive our sins and teach
us how to live and pray.
Stories that tell of Grinch and Scrooge
as they finally see their flaws,
and repent for their misdeeds.
Each year as we listen to these stories,
“The Christmas Carol” – by Charles Dickens,
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” – by Dr. Seuss
and “The Birth of a King in Bethlehem”
compiled and written in “The Bible”
– by Matthew and Luke
and produced by God above.
Don’t throw away the books and stories
that tell us of the tales of all
the history, pitfalls and trials of life.
Were it not for the stories,
the abuses of Grinches and Scrooges
would not be told or confronted
nor the horrors brought about by their rage,
the stories of hope and reconciliation
of how Jesus, Kings and the angels intervened
to soften hearts to repent.
Let us all reflect on the story,
repent and make amends,
like Scrooge and the Grinch
the stories are clear,
the Christ child came to remind us
that kindness, compassion
and fairness toward ALL
is the message, the hope and the light,
to carry us forth this Christmas season,
from this day and forevermore.
So Merry Christmas Grinch and Scrooge.
May your old ways of denying wages,
housing and health while throwing scraps
to those in need, be truly shed.
By joyfully starting to follow that star
to the babe born in Bethlehem,
as you tear down fences and barriers
of good will to offer peace and reconciliation
to workers, neighbors, friends and foes.
Peace be with you . . . Merry Christmas.
– written after granddaughter’s Dory and Dani’s
Christmas pageant “How the Grinch Found Christmas”
– written and produced by Holly Husom
December 11, 2022