Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you? Why have you gone away? Where is the laughter you used to bring me? Why can’t I hear music play? My world is changing. I’m rearranging. Does that mean Christmas changes, too?… I’m not the same one. See what the time’s done. Is that why you have let me go? Christmas is here everywhere. Christmas is here if you care. If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel like Christmas all the time…

Originally written by James Horner, Will Jennings, and Mariah Carey for the soundtrack of How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 2000, the song ended up being released with Faith Hill singing after an unfortunate set of circumstances with Carey’s ex-husband. It has since become a staple in our Christmas playlists.

Like the story for which it was written, this song expresses the difficulty that many adults (and some children) feel about the Christmas season. We have become more jaded by time and the hard realities of life. We have forgotten the magic and the wonder that the holidays often meant when we were younger. We have become so caught up in the milieu of the season that we lost track of the joy somewhere between frantic gift-wrapping and constant chaos of parties and to-do lists.

At the heart of it all, though, is the love that is so central to the meaning of Christmas. It is love for others. It is love for ourselves. It is the love that God has for us – no matter what.

So, if the frenzy of December has become too much, stop every day, just for a minute, and look for those moments when you can show care for others, and for yourself. Because you are loved. And the greatest gift you can give to everyone around you is to show love every way you are able.

Traditional Hymns & Carols – Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Lessons & Carols – There is No Rose