Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! – Psalm 100:1–2 (ESV)
When December arrives each year, I give myself full permission to open the holiday floodgates to celebrate and consume all things Christmas. And every year, I find myself gravitating to Elf. It’s sentimental, just the right amount of silly, and full of Christmas spirit—all the best ingredients for a holiday film.
Elf begins with the introduction of Buddy, one of Santa’s helpers and a resident of the North Pole. Soon he learns—to his surprise but absolutely no one else’s—he is not an elf. He’s human and was brought to the North Pole accidentally on a Christmas Eve when he was a baby. Papa Elf breaks the news that his real home is New York City, where his biological father (who is on Santa’s Naughty List) lives. Thus begins Buddy’s grand adventure to meet his dad and help him discover the magic of Christmas again.
SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR
One thing that stands out to me is Buddy’s never-ending hope, joy, and optimism. Though NYC is the antithesis of Santa’s workshop in almost every way, that doesn’t disrupt his mission or the way he approaches life and the people around him. Buddy is certain that Santa is real, people on the naughty list can be redeemed, and “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Buddy represents a child-like perspective that reminds me of the beginning years of my relationship with Jesus. I was full of hope and wonder, and my faith in Jesus was unwavering. I wanted everyone around me to know about him, too! But somewhere along the way, like Buddy’s dad, life happened, years flew by, things grew difficult, and I became caught up in what I thought was more important. I lost my cheer for what was most important.
FAITH LIKE A CHILD
There’s much to learn from Buddy the Elf. What if I returned to and approached the Gospel of Jesus and who he is with faith like a child? What if I lived, loved, and served in a way that proclaims that the Lord is real, people can be redeemed, and the best way to spread the news of Jesus is to tell others about him as much as I can? Imagine the value of such a shift in perspective and posture!
In the end of Elf, Buddy, with his child-like faith, saves the day and helps his dad rediscover the power of Christmas cheer. My prayer is that we stay in awe and wonder about the Good News of Jesus. May we love others well. And may we sing his life-changing and glorious message loudly for all to hear.
Reflect: Identify one person in your life in need of some Christmas cheer. What is one way you can intentionally love and serve them?
