Manitowoc pastor: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer reminds us our differences make us great
Set your DVR! Get out your DVD! Search Netflix! It is time for the annual watching of the wonderful Rankin/Bass 1964 stop-motion masterpiece, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
OK, maybe it shows its age a little and if you take it too seriously you will see all sorts of wacky things in it. But it is still a Christmas tradition, and for those of us younger than 60, it is a nostalgic ritual that must be done each year.
In case you need a reminder here, it is the story of a misfit reindeer named Rudolph. Rudolph was born with a nose that glowed red whenever he was excited.
Rudolph’s parents are worried their little boy would be ridiculed by other reindeer, so they cover his nose with mud. Rudolph’s father, the famous reindeer Donner, encourages his young son to hide his true self and just try to fit in.
Eventually, his uniqueness is revealed in all its glowing brightness. Instantly, Rudolph becomes the outcast and runs away to The Island of Misfit Toys.
Among the misfits, he finds a home and love. Yet, the horrible Abominable Snowman lurks in the background. Rudolph and his friends must rally their courage to save the others.
Finding his way back home, Rudolph walks with new confidence, and when an unexpected fog sets in, the misfit deer finally has a chance to shine. Santa comes and asks (sing it with me): “Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
A charming story for all ages and all people, even those who do put the “Christ” in Christmas. But being a Christian and a pastor I cannot help but see "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as a parable about the reality of God’s love. After all, for Christians, Christmas is the story of God’s love.
Let’s look at the parable of Rudolph as a story with four points:
- Rudolph is different, he is unique and a special creation;
- Rudolph’s world rejects him, even though he will one day save them all;
- Rudolph saves The Island of Misfit Toys — he shows them they have worth; and
- Rudolph lights the way so the lost can know where they are going.
Rudolph sure sounds like Jesus, the personification of God’s love to the world. Jesus, who came into the world, was different — fully human, yet fully God. Jesus taught forgiveness and love, yet was rejected by the leaders of the world. Jesus saved the world, not through monarchs, presidents or dictators, but by lifting up and empowering the ordinary, the outcast, the misfits. Jesus, the one rejected by the powers of the world, becomes the light of the world and guides all into eternal life and joy.
For the record, I do not really believe "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was written as a Christian parable (even though it fits!). I do believe, though, that the television special was written to help us celebrate the Christmas season by remembering that our differences are what make us great.
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- Manitowoc: Our community is shaped by the lenses we look through
That is a message our nation needs to hear anew this Christmas season. No matter how “misfit” we may be, we belong. Every person who seeks to be a part of this great nation, no matter how different they may be, should be given the opportunity to let their light shine in the darkness and help us find our way to where we need to be.
This Christmas season, I invite you to watch "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," whether for the first time or the umpteenth time, and remember that we are misfit toys looking for a place to belong.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Sauer is co-pastor of the Manitowoc Cooperative Ministry (First Reformed UCC, St. John’s UCC, First Presbyterian PCUSA), chaplain for the City of Manitowoc Police Department and a community leader. He may be reached at Matt@mcmunited.com.