Growing up, the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer film was always a Christmas time staple in our home. It came to mind at bedtime one evening a few weeks ago when my son asked for a story. I told him this familiar tale and at the end of it I felt the need to sum it up with some sort of lesson. Isn’t that how parenting goes? Trying to find the lesson in the everyday things 😉 but the more I thought about this story (and after watching it a million times with my kiddos) the more lessons I began to see. So, let’s take a look at four lessons from our friend Rudolph’s story:

Let your light shine.

Rudolph was told to cover up his shiny red nose that ultimately provided light for the sleigh to fly through the foggy night. As Christians, we’re told to let our lights shine. During these last few days of the Christmas season, how can you shine the light of Jesus?

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Be a misfit.

Rudolph felt like a misfit- like someone who didn’t fit in. He met up with Hermey, an elf who wanted to be a dentist. Together they found the Island of Misfit Toys – a place where unique toys were left. They were all misfits and together they began to embrace their misfit-ness. As God’s people we know we’re not called to be like the world because God has called us out. We can be different, and should be different, from the world.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Embrace the unique way God made you.

No one in Rudolph’s life appreciated his “non-conformity.” Even his mother said they’d have to overlook it! Santa said he definitely couldn’t be a part of the team with a nose like that and yet it was that very gift that saved Christmas. Rudolph’s father covered it up and pressured him to hide it. Maybe you’ve always been told you’re too loud or too quiet. Maybe you’ve felt the pressure to be more outgoing or to be thinner. If you have something that has long been considered a flaw, can I encourage you to begin to consider it a gift? Whatever it may be, embrace the unique gifts God gave and the creative way He made you.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

Lend a helping hand.

In the end we know that Rudolph is able to save Christmas by lending his shiny red nose and guiding Santa’s sled through the storm. Sometimes we may be called to lend a helping hand through someone else’s storm. We are freed by God to serve one another in love. Rudolph could have been upset or angry and refused to help because of the mistreatment he’d received. But instead he helped. He served as part of the team and saved Christmas.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13

I hope you’ve had a fun time thinking of a favorite Christmas classic a little differently! Did I miss any lessons? What would you add? Let me know in the comments! 🙂