"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."
– Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)
Growing up, I felt a deep connection to the story of The Velveteen Rabbit. For years, I believed I needed to please others to gain acceptance. I felt I couldn’t be myself and still be loved. But this timeless tale, written by Margery Williams more than 100 years ago, teaches us that love can allow us to become our truest selves.
In the story, a little boy receives a velveteen stuffed rabbit for Christmas, but it’s quickly overlooked. Lost among this abundance of toys, the rabbit feels inadequate, believing the flashier toys are superior. Those toys tease the rabbit for not being real. This is much like our world where Christmas is often centered on shiny new toys, and appearances carry more weight than what’s inside.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEART
The Velveteen Rabbit longs for acceptance and to be “real.” When he meets real rabbits, they tease him, saying that because he can’t hop, he must not be a real rabbit. However, when the boy starts to love the Velveteen Rabbit and takes it everywhere, it becomes worn and shabby. The rabbit questions its worth despite the boy’s love. When the boy falls ill and the doctor says all his toys should be removed, the rabbit cries a real tear of love for the boy, leading to its transformation into a real rabbit. Through love and sacrifice, the Velveteen Rabbit finally becomes real.
This transformation surpasses the physical; it symbolizes the deep changes in our hearts and souls that can occur when we accept God’s unconditional love for us. This love was what helped me leave an abusive marriage and work through deep depression, to confront addictions that had trapped me. No longer would I hide my sins from God or my loved ones. Being in the wrong relationship or friendships can cause wear and tear not only on our authenticity, but also on our spiritual walk with God.
BECOMING REAL
I reached out to a friend for support, and during the church service we attended together, God delivered me. With this newfound clarity, I sought God through fasting and prayer, asking him to remove any toxic relationships from my life. Humbly, I surrendered to God's will and left a high-paying job that didn't align with his purpose for me. God's love has freed me from my past, and can now flourish because I know that it’s genuine.
As we ponder hope, joy, and love this season, let’s remember how God’s love can transform us. Just as the boy’s love brings the rabbit to life, God’s love gives us new life—he gives us purpose, belonging, and authenticity. Let’s accept Christ’s invitation to become our “real” and truest selves, who he made us to be.
Reflect: What relationships do you need to release that are holding you back, and how can you be your authentic self to give and receive love more deeply this Christmas?
