Rudolf
I went to church this morning. I could give a list of reasons-excuses as to why I haven’t been, but I won’t. They are all irrelevant for this write. I want to share at least part of what I personally got out of the message at this morning’s worship service.
After Sunday School Bible study, I made my way up to the sanctuary and my usual seat. Again today, I was amazed at the greetings and conversation. People walking up to me, initiating conversation, asking if I had been okay since they hadn’t seen me. I chatted with those around me until it was time for services to begin.
We listened to the hand bells, we sang, we made note of the morning messages, we greeted each other warmly.. Then, it was time for the message. I had read the front of the bulletin, Christmas Movies, but I still wasn’t expecting Rudolf. You know, the red nosed reindeer Rudolf.
It is December. It is the month of Christmas. We can, if we seek, find how so many of the movies and programs exhibit the message of Christmas and Christian lifestyle.
With Rudolf it is easy to pick out where his differences made him the target of ridicule and being unacceptable compared to all the others. Even in the eyes of the one most important for acceptance. We see the actions of others, we hear the laughter and names and we see the hurt as Rudolf runs away. But there is obviously more to the story. He grows, he becomes stronger and he ends up saving the day, by being different. Rudolf’s unique glowing nose, gave him the light needed to show the way through a blinding snow storm. The same light that his dad had tried to cover up and hide. The light that the other reindeer had ridiculed him about.Rudolf and that light was suddenly the hero of the story.
That’s all well and good, but what is the connection that makes a stop action program sermon worthy? Light.
Matthew 5 verses 14-16: 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
As Christians we have a light within, given to us, to shine so that others may see. It is our calling, job and identity to be the light, no matter how the world treats us. As Christians, we expose others to the Light, that Light exposes everything else. Light being a metaphor for Christ, God’s truth.
To show the light of Christ shows that one has received this light. John 8:12 John 9:5 When one has received the Light, it is through the belief of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus. You all the Light to shine and expose what is in you. Allowing it to work within you. Confessing before others and allowing God to work in and through you. Remembering the importance of staying connected to the source of Light. Depending on that source, the Holy Spirit to continue our growth.
To reflect the Light of Christ.Put in a position to be seen and heard.To live and act in such a way to draw people to Jesus. We mirror what we behold. Matthew 6: 22-23 2nd Corinthians 3:18
Reveal the Light of Christ through word and works (actions) Sharing Christ in natural conversation. Sharing the Good News by telling and sharing the same story with your life and your words. Your every action shows what you believe through conversation face to face, and through social media posts.
What kind of story is your life telling? Is your light drawing others to Christ or are you still covering that light? Hiding it away, unseen.
Thank you Pastor Zach, for a message that sheds an entirely new light on a story that has been around for so very long. I only hope that my synopsis does it justice.
Words from The Dirt Road 