“And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!”
– How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I’ve been feeling a bit down lately since things have been so hard, so I’ve been leaning on my best friend/quarantine buddy, the Grinch. Ever since the Grinch’s heart grew three-sizes on that trip to Who-ville, he’s been a great encourager, and as a professional encourager, I should know!
I asked him about ways to have some fun and encourage my friends this week, and he had a great idea! We should celebrate Christmas in July! Christmas has been a time of hope through some of the hardest points of our history; even the very history that it celebrates. It has brought hope in times of division, times of depression, times of war.

Maybe not right now, but we will gather again around our tables, with our families and friends, at our homes, and in restaurants. ...But maybe without the Grinch’s favorite dishes of “Who-Hash” and “Roast Beast.”
Help the Grinch and I encourage others! Send or post your pictures of your own banquet tables, Christmas lights you’ve found in your neighborhood, and share your favorite Christmas memories! Email me ( barnabas@fumcaustin.org ) or post on social media (#FUMCBarnabas) how you engage.

Be encouraged.
Barnabas
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St.
Austin, TX 78731