Perhaps it means a little more...

So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.
But when the time had fully come,
God sent his Son,
born of a woman,
born under law,
to redeem those under law,
that we might receive the full rights of sons.
~ the apostle Paul in Galatians 4:3-5

Last week I quoted from one of my favorite philosophers, Linus Van Pelt, about the meaning of Christmas. This week, as a Christmas present, I would like to quote from someone who had much more of an impact on my philosophical upbringing, and even at a much earlier age than Linus’ impact. Theodor Geisel was an Oxford Ph. D. candidate when he realized his calling was more in the shaping of young minds through writing and rhyme. Fortunately, the world would eventually see his value, and recognize the true gift he had. Better known as Dr. Seuss (his middle name), he was the author of my very favorite Christmas cartoon or movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” The best part is the very ending:

Three thousand feet up! Up the side of Mount Crumpit,
He rode to the tiptop to dump it!
"Pooh-pooh to the Whos!" he was grinch-ish-ly humming.
"They're finding out now that no Christmas is coming!
"They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do!
"Their mouths will hang open a minute or two
"The all the Whos down in Who-ville will all cry BOO-HOO!"

"That's a noise," grinned the Grinch,
"That I simply must hear!"
So he paused. And the Grinch put a hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.
It started in low. Then it started to grow...

But the sound wasn't sad!
Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn't be so!
But it WAS merry! VERY!

He stared down at Who-ville!
The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook!
What he saw was a shocking surprise!

Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!
He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?
It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, `till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
[quoted from “How the Grinch stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss”]

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas that means a WHOLE LOT more than what comes from the store,

Steve