There aren’t many Christmas movies as good as Elf. It’s hilarious and it is also poignant. Like most other Christmas movies related to Santa Claus the issue at the center is belief, or the lack thereof. One of the best moments is when Buddy finds ou that Santa is coming to the Mall…
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyCfRHumHU?wmode=transparent]
This scene has been in my mind for a few days now. I keep thinking about it’s illustrative purposes for me as a follower of Jesus. Buddy’s excitement is overwhelming and full of passion. It is clear that he loves Santa and that he desperately wants others to know him too. Look what happens when he finds out that the real Santa isn’t at the mall…
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY4bUP48RE8?wmode=transparent]
These two clips paint a picture that ought to challenge us as Jesus followers. We do not know an omniscient, legalistic, elf. We know the God of the universe. We know the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus this way,
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upont his shoulder,
and his name shall be calledt
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Buddy the Elf loves Santa for who he is, he defends his honor, and desires for people to know the real Santa. When we think about Jesus too often we are afraid what people will think of us. Often times we shy away from challenging wrong understanding of who he is at the risk of offending others.
I want to love Jesus the way that Buddy loves Santa.