The Real Christmas Message in the Story of Rudolph
At the heart of the real Christmas message, we find the longing to be loved and chosen, spiritual misfits who need a rescuer.
I love stories—heart-felt stories, Christmas stories, both make-believe and real. Storylines stirring our long-awaited dreams.
Surprisingly, the real Christmas message is seen in a childhood favorite.
I’m a fan of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Because in the core message we find rescued misfits.
The book and movie’s storyline melts the heart of every boy and girl. And adults escape the real world of heartache for moments of happy endings and “Hoorays!”
Misfits Wanted, Therefore Chosen: Real Christmas Message
You see, Rudolph’s the poster-child for reindeer misfits.
The other reindeer called him names. Being different seemed alright until words spoken out loud preached “different” is not acceptable.
I understand misfits and their dilemma. Perhaps you relate to a misfit story.
In the same manner as placing Christmas presents on a wish-list, we often hope for heart-wishes to come true. Rudolph wished for acceptance, for someone to want and choose him.
At the heart of the real Christmas message, we find the longing to be loved and chosen, spiritual misfits who need a rescuer. Share on XYet, no longer able to withstand the taunts and rejection, Rudolph runs away. And on his journey he befriends two kindred-spirits also labeled “different.”
The three newfound friends find themselves on the island of misfit toys. How fitting. Yet only allowed to spend the night if they promised to coax Santa into finding a permanent home for the toys.
But Rudolph’s bright nose caused a bit of a nuisance since the Abominable Snow Monster spotted them. So Rudolph left the island to ensure safety for his friends.
Remember the end of the story? Rudolph made good on his promise. He brings Santa back to pick up the toys on Christmas Eve. And the red-nosed reindeer even guides Santa’s sleigh on the foggy flight.
Misfit toys, wanted and chosen, given to jubilant boys and girls. Each child excited to receive them.
You know what? It’s the same in God’s Christmas story. The Christ child wants and chooses us. Jesus is jubilant to receive us to Himself.
Misfits Loved, Therefore Treasured
Can you relate to misfit stories? Have you been abandoned? Left on the sidelines? Excluded? Walked out on? Made fun of? Felt unlovable?
At the center of the real Christmas story is love…love for misfits. Jesus Christ came as God Incarnate. But He understood rejection. And Jesus experienced abandonment. People labeled Christ different.
Jesus loves misfits.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)
God’s Son came to rescue every misfit the first Christmas night.
Misfits Rescued, Therefore Kept: Real Christmas Message
Born broken by sin, and tattered by the world’s injustices and heartaches, spiritual misfits need a rescuer.
God made good on His promise from prophecy years before. He came in the flesh to save us, our own moments of “Hoorays!”
Unlike some Christmas presents, God keeps us forever. No re-gifting, exchanges, refunds, or collecting dust on God’s shelf.
Unlike some Christmas presents, God keeps us forever. No re-gifting, exchanges, refunds, or collecting dust on God's shelf. Share on XThe earthly ministry of Jesus coupled with His crucifixion and resurrection tell us the rest of the story. To authentically celebrate God’s Christmas story, we connect it to God’s Easter story (Resurrection Day). Two heart-felt stories weaved together.
A storyline resonating throughout the world to all misfits.
I, Jesus Christ, died for you because you’re a keeper.
Jesus arrived in this world to find a permanent home for us in the next world. Yet, don’t miss this. Christ gives us abundant life now and it starts the moment He rescues us.
Every man, woman, and child from all walks of life across the face of the earth:
- Wanted.
- Chosen.
- Loved.
- Treasured.
- Rescued.
- Kept.
We’re rescued misfits with a story of life and a message of hope.
A story that melts hearts. And it lives on when misfits become the key storytellers.
The true meaning of the Christmas story continues on to eternity.
We’re rescued misfits with a story of life and a message of hope. And it lives on when misfits become the key storytellers. The true meaning of the Christmas story continues on to eternity. Share on X
Merry Christmas everyone. I will not post next week but will meet you back here in two weeks on Thursday, January 4th.
Featured images courtesy of our YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.
Last week’s post, A Child is Born: His First Breath of Grace.
Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:
Inspire Me Monday/Tell His Story/Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).
© 2023 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Karen, what a beautiful reminder! I needed that message today. We read those Christmas stories with our kids and watched the claymation specials on TV. Sometimes these earthly stories can remind us how much we need Jesus. At one time or another, we were all the ones who were left out, abandoned, made fun of, or felt like misfits. Jesus welcomes us to His heavenly family forever and He is the one who makes us brand new. Thank you, Jesus! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Yes, Melissa, we’ve all experienced rejection at some point in life. It’s very much a part of this fallen world. But Jesus certainly understands. Even as God incarnate, He was ridiculed and mocked. Thankful God keeps us forever! Melissa is loved and treasured. Merry Christmas!
Several years back, I wrote a blog post about this very thing, Karen! I showed the parallels between the Rudolph story and the story of Christmas just as you did here. Yes, we are all spiritual misfits until Jesus touches our hearts with His great love. We are worthy and we are loved by the One who will never let go of us, but chooses us time and again. There are so many beloved Christmas stories that point us to the greatest truth of all.
Merry Christmas!!!
Hey Martha, I love that you wrote something similiar and realized the connection between the two as I did. Amen to your thoughts. I’m so grateful the Lord loves and saves us-He is mighty to save. We needed a rescuer before we even knew. Martha is wanted, chosen, loved, rescued, and kept. Merry Christmas!
I will never see this show in the same way again Karen. Thank you for pointing out that we are all misfits rescued by a loving Father. I love it.
Thank you, Yvonne. The message of hope and rescue for misfits is the underlying message of Rudolph’s story. Unlike some Christmas presents, God keeps us forever. No re-gifting, exchanges, refunds, or collecting dust on God’s shelf. Hallelujah!
We all have a story …this comes to mind immediately when reading this subject of rejection (being a misfit). Life lessons either mold us or fold us up into something that eventually takes hold of our heart. God is near all of us always. We just have to let him inside our heart. HE loved us first. Thank you for sharing this beautiful connection of Rudolph and how it so beautifully comprehends that unique gift from God. It’s there for the taking; God is patient and he is waiting. Merry Christmas -:)
Well said, Lisa. Like how you said, “Life lessons either mold us or fold us up into something that eventually takes hold of our heart.” That’s true. We’re rescued misfits with a story of life and a message of hope. God bless!
I can definitely relate to feeling like a misfit! I never thought about the Rudolph story that way, but you are so right. Thank you, Karen!
Hey Jessica, I think we all relate to feeling like a misfit at some point in life. Glad the Lord came to rescue every spiritual misfit the first Christmas in Bethlehem! Oh what a Savior!
Amen. I love your statement “We’re rescued misfits with a story of life and a message of hope.” Yes! Yes! Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Melissa. Hope has a name, Jesus.
For these holidays, Jesus Christ is the one who deserves to be celebrated, a savior who became incarnate and came to redeem the world from sin and reconcile me with God. The greatest GIFT for humandkind was and will forever be the Lord Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas Karen!
Absolutely, David! Jesus is the greatest gift we receive. So grateful for eternal life and the power of His blood. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)