This is an edited repost from a previous Christmas …..
He was slightly different from the others. From the beginning, he stood apart from the others. Distinct.
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. Had a very shiny nose.
That particular difference became the source of much teasing. He never did feel much like the others. Wasn’t even sure that he would ever find a place to fit in, to be accepted for who he was. Just the way he was.
All of the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph, join in any reindeer games.
He was always on the outside, looking in. Yet never able to enjoy the activities with the others. For he was different. Set apart.
If you remember the story, he finds himself in a strange place – The Island of the Misfit Toys. It was a land of exile for all the broken toys. For the ones that were different. The toys which were thought would never, or could never, bring joy to children.
It is there, while in exile, that Rudolph discovers his worth, the purpose to which he was always created.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve.
Often in life, we can be much like Rudolph. Placed in obscurity. Moses found himself, there as did Joseph and Paul and others in Scripture. Perhaps it is when we find ourselves visiting “the island of misfit toysâ€, we discover the very reason we have been positioned here in life.
For it was there, Rudolph found he was most needed. He had been positioned for a task that he, and he alone, was equipped to do.
Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?
The source of his shame and embarrassment was the very thing would become the source of blessing for so many. His shiny nose was the distinction he had been provided so that he could fulfill his purpose.
Here are three lessons I learned from Rudolph lately:
- God created us to be different. In reading 1 Corinthians 12, He purposely created us differently so that nothing would be lacking in the church. When we negate or omit or overlook some, we are hurting the cause for which we are in community. Interestingly, Paul states, “On the contrary, parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.†(1 Corinthians 12:22).
- Comparison is a killer. Again from Paul. we are told, “When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.†(2 Corinthians 10:12b).
- We are trained in obscurity for the tasks we will do publicly. Obscurity is painful. But perhaps, it is the very place that we are trained to handle those times we are visible. Obscurity helps us to keep a proper perspective of ourselves. More so, we learn valuable lessons in the dark that remain engraved in our hearts forever. For it is there that we learn, like Rudolph, to embrace those traits that make us different. It is then we know the purpose for which we have been called.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daYO4W3X1Nc?rel=0&w=420&h=315]
Today I am joining …. Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Works For Me and Coffee & Conversation .
Oh, what a great reflection on a familiar story. I’ll never sing this song the same way again. My favorite part: “The source of his shame and embarrassment was the very thing would become the source of blessing for so many. His shiny nose was the distinction he had been provided so that he could fulfill his purpose.” I needed that today. Thank you!
May we come to realize He has created each of us uniquely for purposes beyond our understanding. I am so glad the post spoke to you. Blessings!
What a great idea! I just watched the video with our toddler and love how the song ends with calling him the red “beaked” reindeer/ I guess you learn something new everyday…
May we be ever learning & changing so that we fulfill our purposes which He has prepared for us. Grateful you stopped here today!
We just went caroling the kids rang their bells loudly while we sang this one. Next time I sing it, I’m going to have a whole new perspective. Thanks for linking up and sharing at #ThreeWordWednesday.
How fun to go caroling with the kids! Amazing how our perspective can be changed on these childhood songs 🙂 I felt the same way 🙂
Spiritual lessons from Rudolph, love it!
Yes, even Rudolph holds important lessons for us 🙂
I love you real life connections and of course I love Rudolf! As I was reading your points at the end, these words stuck out “We are trained in obscurity for the tasks we will do publicly.” I’m not sure that I ever thought about it like this before but they are so true. It reminds me of my oldest son who refuse to join in until he was sure in his mind that he would master whatever the task or activity was going to be. Great thoughts. Have a blessed Christmas!
Mary, when I wrote that I thought of how Moses, Joseph, Paul & others have been hidden for a time (in obscurity) before they became visible & active in God’s plans. Hoping you had a wonderful Christmas. May you have a blessed New Year’s!