The Heart That Grew Three Sizes: Finding Faith in the Story of the Grinch

by Matt Rawle

Rediscover the gift of Advent that comes without packages, ribbons, and bows.



We don't know why the Grinch hated Christmas. We just know he did. In this new Advent study, Matt Rawle explores the faith themes in the Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! including, how did the Grinch's heart grow three sizes come Christmas morning? How did Christmas save the Grinch? Could it be that the very thing we think we hate is the one thing that changes our lives? This Advent and Christmas season, look at a familiar classic through the lens of faith and see how Christ speaks to us through our culture.

Additional components for a four-week Advent study include a DVD featuring Matt Rawle, a comprehensive Leader Guide, and resources for children and youth.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2021

About the author

Matt Rawle is Lead Pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, LA. Matt is an international speaker who loves to tell an old story in a new way, especially at the intersection of pop culture and the church.

Matt has a B.A. in music from LSU and an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School. He and his wife Christie have three daughters. Matt loves meditating on Scripture, listening to the heart of God, and inspiring people to do the work of God—Love. He also loves thinking about new ways to tell an old story.

He is the author of a new series of books titled The Pop in Culture Series. The series includes The Faith of a Mockingbird, Hollywood Jesus, and The Salvation of Doctor Who.

Reviews

[Terri Milstead · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a solid meh for me. Rambles around a lot. This was chosen for a sermon series theme and it has been a real struggle to figure out how to differentiate one week from another because I’m not sure that any of the four chapters really landed on any one point.

[Linda Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing story to read right before Christmas. Matt is a talented author.

[Ellen Spes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this Bible study today. Fresh look at the Grinch from a Christian perspective. Prompted some good discussions.

[Bobbi Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a better appreciation for the Grinch story, and I thought the author made some interesting points. It was a very unique study for Advent and I'd recommend it. Afterward, I bought the older version (black and white illustrations) of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and I look forward to reading it. This was not a book I read in my childhood or to my kids, but I plan to read it now to my grandkids.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Sunday School class and youth groups used this book during Advent of 2021 - this is a great book - not an easy read = author is all over the place with great thoughts and ideas that do not easily lend themselves for a study - but, with careful preparation, this has new and fresh ideas

my class enjoyed it - I learned new things and read a new author!

[Angela Go · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun Advent Bible study takes off on the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I was skeptical that a Bible Study could be made out of a secular Dr. Suess story but Matt Rawle, who is a Methodist preacher, does a good job of tying the secular to the sacred parts of the Christmas story. Full disclosure, I read this book during a particularly difficult Christmas.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

We read this for small group, but it's just not well written. After watching the video accompaniments, I think this may have really been a transcript of the videos that were put together as part of the series.

Interesting comparisons were raised, but the writing is clunky and none of the chapters (which can almost be viewed as individual essays) seem to have a clear point.

[Destiny Hove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the connections but one could argue they are a little far fetched. I wouldnt say they were wrong because I believe there is truly something really magical about the story of the Grinch I just dont think its all that connected into Advent and the true spirit of christmas. Maybe I missed something or im biased becausr this is my favorite christmas book/movie.

[Cassie Buckner · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like the intent of comparing The Grinch to the Christmas story, it rambles a bit and reads like some of my diary entries pondering the world. That said, I wouldn't mind reading more Matt Rawle because the topics he does ramble about I like to discuss.

[Heather Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed in this one. It just seemed to be a stretch. And kinda all over the place. Good ideas, just presented in a somewhat awkward way for me. The group I read it with seemed to all feel like this.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book through Advent and had weekly discussions with my church group. It is interesting to take the story and put it into actionable steps.

[nancy cooledge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matt Rawle wrote an interesting interpretation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Parts of it were a stretch. A few I disagreed with. But, overall, I enjoyed reading it. It was thought provoking.

[Nose-in-a-Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple read that helped me refocus back on the depth of advent season. Very enjoyable.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great study for Advent.

[Gail Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the Grinch and what he was doing and why! We used this for an eight week Bible Study; there is a lot of good information to talk about!

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun concept but poorly executed. A lot of rambling. The chapters lacked a clear theme/focus.

[Elizabeth English · Rating 5 out of 5]

The women’s Bible study group I am in read this and watched the DVDs that go with it. This book inspired lighthearted conversations, shared laughter, and thoughtful, deeper discussions. We enjoyed it.