“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”
This short movie is another well known animated film that has become a regular part of our Christmas tradition. Even people that have never seen the actual movie still know who Rudolph is and his story.
It is the story of a young reindeer born into the family of one of Santa’s special eight…specifically…Donner’s son. Needless to say, this new reindeer is set to enjoy a legacy position with the team. However, there is an issue that becomes evident from the beginning…Rudolph has a red nose. And, this is not just the color red…it glows! Lights up like a stoplight!
The “problem” with this physical oddity is that Donner and family see it as an embarrassment…something to be hidden. They go to great lengths to hide it which actually draws more attention to it and soon everyone knows of this young deer’s “special” feature. His family is ashamed. His friends laugh at him and call him names. They never let “poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games”. Therefore…
…Rudolph runs away and finds refuge on the island of misfit toys. This is a place where toys that are different or “unique” in some way…thought to be unwanted by children…were exiled. Well, Rudolph eventually finds his way back home and…spoiler alert…”then one foggy Christmas eve Santa came to say, ‘Rudolph, with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
This movie has a message that can be found in the first Christmas. Christmas is for everyone! Yes, “God so loved the world” that He came, but we also need to remember that God loves each of us individually as well. God loves you and all the things that make you “special”. In fact, the Scripture tells us that God designed each of us uniquely and created for a specific purpose in His Kingdom work.
God spoke to the young prophet Jeremiah about this when he was feeling inadequate;
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations!” (Jeremiah 1:5)
This is the real life, Spiritual truth…you were “handmade” by God and have been designed for a special purpose in His Kingdom…even if you have a nose that glows! Misfits and outcasts in the worlds eyes are heros in the Kingdom of God.
In Rudolph’s story he leads Santa to the island of misfit toys and he finds homes for all of the “special” toys. We love this message! When the underdog is lifted up…the under valued finds worth…the lost becomes found…those feeling unloved are welcomed in. Are you with me?
Jesus came at Christmas to let us know that we are not forgotten or unloved. We are not misfits! He came to reveal that He loves and values each of us and that He has a place for us in His Kingdom family.
You are loved! Merry Christmas!