Rudolph, Christmas and Christ

Christmas is a special time of year. Our thoughts revolve around family and friends. Many of our favorite memories come from this time of year. Christians have an extra reason to enjoy this holiday. It is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus. There is so much to do and enjoy during the Christmas holiday season. Most of us are familiar with the story of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. The television version narrated by Burl Ives is a Christmas tradition.The story is secular in nature but, I see Christ in parts of it.

Rudolph was rejected by his own because he was different. The Bible teaches us that Christ was rejected by many of his own people as well as the Jewish religious hierarchy. The love of Jesus was rejected just as the red nose of Rudolph was rejected. A red heart is probably the most often visual item associated with the word love. Rudolph showed compassion for the broken and unwanted toys on the Isle of Misfit Toys. Christ showed compassion for the broken and unwanted people in the cities he travelled through.

The lone villain in this story is the snow monster. He is reformed at the end and places the star on top of the Christmas tree. It makes me think of how all of us as sinners can change with the help of Christ. Just as the snow monster was forgiven, each of us can be forgiven also.

The most powerful thoughts come from the end of the story. Rudolph provided the light for Santa and the other reindeer to follow. Jesus Christ is the light for each of us to follow. Rudolph leads Santa to the Isle of Misfit Toys and the toys are taken to new homes. The samething will happen to true believers. Christ will return for us and take us to our new homes in glory with him.

I look forward to Christmas. I enjoy the secular celebrations as well as the religious celebrations. It is a time to be with those that you love and reflect on the year that has gone by. As 2009 draws to a close, I urge each of you to think about your relationship with Christ. If you don't have one then I hope you will consider getting to know him. If you are a believer then I hope you will commit yourself to serving him and trying to become more Christlike. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.