Thursday, December 22, 2016

Why Rudolph's World Scares Me





For old time's sake (I wrote this in 2006). Because, ten years later, many people still don't get it.


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Does anyone else see this?


The movie, Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer bothers me. My kitchen radio plays this song and I roll my eyes and frown.

I mean, think about it. Here's this adorably-cute reindeer who was born with a bright, red nose. As if he could help it! And suddenly he grows up, goes to reindeer school and gets ridiculed (dare I say bullied?) by his intolerant, bratty little schoolmates just because his bright, cherry-red nose isn't small, dark and boring like everyone else's.

And because of that one (tiny) difference, he's scorned. The majority don't take the time to discover that, really, Rudolph is a darn nice kid, uh, reindeer. He loves his parents, he's sweet and just wants to be accepted like the other deer at reindeer school. 

But no, that's asking too much. Even his teachers laugh at him (shame on them!).

But then, poof! Suddenly, Christmas Eve rolls in all foggy-like and since Santa can't see to drive his sleigh, Christmas is nearly cancelled. But then someone remembers that goofy little kid, Rudolph, the one with the red lantern nose, and Rudolph is whisked to the head of the reindeer pack. Christmas is saved, thanks to that odd reindeer who, just the previous week, was considered a royal loser.

Oh but now--now!--Rudolph is a hero. And then how the reindeer 'loved him' (if that's love, I'll take spaghetti). They even shouted-out with glee, because of course, now, Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer is going down in history.

But only after he proved himself a useful member of society. Only after his 'disability' saved Christmas for all of mankind. Only after Rudolph became a valuable asset, a famous reindeer and a credit to his family and the entire world at large.

Give me a break.

Right there is the kind of stuff which is stressing us out and making us appreciation-hungry nuts. The fact is, Rudolph was valuable before that foggy Christmas Eve. He was a creation of God, a son, a friend, a member of woodland society and just a sweet little deer. And here is the truth:




Today God would have sent Jesus to die for you, to redeem you, even if you were the only person on Earth.

Today God loves you just as you are, famous or unknown. For you are not unknown to Him.

Today, even if you overcame all your weaknesses, God wouldn't love you any better than He does right this minute.

Today, if Jesus dwells in your heart, God is thrilled that you are His child. He'd never trade you for all the perfect, got-it-all together, famous, Christmas-saving people in the whole World.

Really.

And I hope you'll remember that.









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"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."   ... Romans 5:8








Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, 
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, 
Because Thy promise I believe, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come! 

Just as I am, Thy love unknown, 
Hath broken every barrier down; 
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!


... Charlotte Elliott


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While perusing local houses online, I found yet another which looked as though folks had lived there all their married lives.

Here are a few photos. Check out the iced-over driveway--that was our Sunday and Monday 'round here!

Click to enlarge-----











(The basement.)



Don't know about you, but I think it's all adorable.   :)



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Free Kindle Book:


Rocky Mountain Angels


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2 comments:

Betsy said...

Amen! Amen! Amen! That song has ALWAYS bothered me too for the same exact reason. Thank you for putting so well into words what I was thinking! And that is an adorable house. ***Beware sarcasm to follow***. How in the world did those poor people cook without gleaming stainless steel appliances and walk without hardwood floors? If you watch any home shows today that's the common thought out there. My rant is over! :-). Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Betsy

Debra said...

Betsy--so happy you get it! :) Thanks for letting me know.

And I've often thought while watching HGTV, ""Wow, I didn't know how rough Tom and I have it, what with having just one bathroom and only one sink and no granite counter tops or real hardwood floors or---". :) A very merry Christmas to you, my friend! Hugs, Debra