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A Heart Two Sizes Too Small

Pastor Bryan Pugner
December 3, 2006

As kids, we all watched the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". One of the most memorable lines for me was, "His heart was two sizes too small!" Therefore, he did not enjoy the Christmas season! Sometimes, this happens to us and we ask ourselves if our hearts are two sizes too small this Christmas and if so, how can we fix this?

Luke 2:1-4

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

People were just too busy to notice the BIGGEST event in world history! It is like being on Wall Street or Battery Park or in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001 and not knowing about the collapse of the World Trade Center.

It might seem unfair to think that we should expect them to know the Birth of Christ was about to happen, but there were signs all around like the huge star that settled over the manager, or the Angels lighting up the sky! Could it be that they were just to busy or maybe their hearts were big for other things - Or just two sizes to small for Christ on Christmas?

Is Christmas for you more about Busy than the Baby?

Luke 2:5

5 So Joseph went to Bethlehem the town of David to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Everyone was in the town of Bethlehem to register for this census decreed by Caesar Augustus. For them, it was all about the list- getting into Bethlehem on the right day, getting in line, waiting patiently.

How many of us have a "list" today? A list of required Christmas events like parties and kid programs. A list of things we need to get like the hottest toy, making sure we don't miss anyone along the way. And then, to some, the most important list, the list of stuff we want!

Is Christmas for you more about a list than loving Jesus?

Luke 2:6-7

6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Inn Keeper let Mary and Joseph know he was full for the night, however, would his answer have been different if they had offered money to him? Obviously, he could have offered them his room instead.

Is Christmas for you more about the money (What is this going to cost me?) than focusing on what it cost him?

Luke 2:8-17

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

How is your heart this Christmas?
No one will most likely know but you!
Only we can keep the Christ in Christmas this season.
If you feel like your heart is two sizes too small, maybe some of these suggestions will help:

Christmas is About a Gift Given and a Gift Received!

Luke 2:1-20