Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
– Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
The Polar Express has been a family favorite for years. It’s fun to put on our Christmas jammies, pour some hot chocolate and watch this classic children’s story come to life on the big screen. Over the years of watching though, I’ve come to recognize the story is not just about a train ride to the North Pole, it’s really a journey of faith. There comes an age when our beliefs require more evidence—when doubt fights to steal our joy and excitement. That’s when the train shows up!
Board the Train. Every journey starts with stepping on board. It’s Christmas Eve and the young boy in the story is wrestling with doubt and wanting to believe something he cannot see. When a train to the North Pole shows up outside his door, he must make a decision to board. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” He takes a bold step of faith and gets on the train.
Stay Alert. On the journey, there are obstacles to overcome, new relationships to explore, and character tests that challenge what the boy believes. The same is true for us on our faith journey. At times, you may want to get off, but like him, you may find friends who lend you their faith until you’re ready to claim your own. When a train car detaches, leaving the boy and two friends separated from the other children, the boy trusts his friends who can hear the sound of the bells that he can’t. They lead him to the right spot: Santa.
Take ownership of your faith. When the boy meets Santa, he closes his eyes and whispers “I believe” over and over. In this deeply spiritual moment, suddenly he can hear the beautiful sound of the sleigh bells. Romans 10:9 (CSB) says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and in your heart you have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The Spirit lies within you. After the boy declares his belief, Santa presents him with the “first gift of Christmas:” his own sleigh bell. This gift is significant of the Holy Spirit that comes inside all believers after a personal declaration of faith. Santa bends down to whisper what the boy has been searching for all along, “The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” John 14:17 (GNT) says, “He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you.”
The personal encounter with Santa changed the boy’s belief. It erased his doubts and solidified the truth he wanted to believe all along, deep within his heart. The same is true for us. Just one personal encounter with Jesus has the power to change our lives forever.
Reflect: Where are you on the train ride? Are you waiting to board? Are you alert or napping in the backseat? Are you relying on the faith of others, or are you the friend leading others to truth?
