Should we be putting up Santa decorations or Nativity scenes? Do the tales of Kris Kringle distract us from the true meaning of Christmas?
Well today, what I'm saying to you is this: maybe there are biblical themes within the stories of Saint Nick, and Jesus' light can be shown through such art. Which brings us to today's movie examination....
Yep, my favorite Christmas movie, Elf!
In no way is Elf a Christian movie, but Elf contains some biblical themes that you might have missed, if you weren't looking for them.
Buddy the Elf is sent from the North Pole to the human world, to walk about life as a human. Sound familiar? Jesus didn't come to Earth as a god. In some ways, Jesus was a fish-out-of-water, and many didn't believe that he actually was God. Buddy's claims of knowing Santa Claus and working as an elf in Santa's workshop make him sound certifiably insane to those around him. Buddy is referred to as "the deranged elf-man" by Walter. All this, while trying to share the joy of Christmas with the people he cares about.
Jesus was put on a cross for committing "blasphemy," even though he was in fact the "King of the Jews." Though Jesus and Buddy came to different parts of the Earth, sharing different messages, each was teaching a gospel that raised some eyebrows.
Buddy did not come to New York to be crucified. He came to build a relationship with his estranged father, and show him the joy and happiness of Christmas, while showings acts of love and kindness to others. Along the way, he stumbles upon Jovie, who is "just trying to get through the holidays." Buddy presents the message of Christmas cheer to her, which is best spread by "singing loud for all to hear." The message is quickly rejected, and Buddy is told to be quiet and to stop singing.
Over time however, Buddy starts to build a relationship with Jovie, which eventually leads to her standing up singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" in front of a big crowd in downtown New York City. I find this similar to when we as people share the gospel of Jesus with others. In most cases, the person that receives the message is going to reject it immediately, but over time God can work in their hearts and bring them to wanting to have a relationship with Him. When someone comes to Christ, they tend to immediately be fired-up about it, and they want to share the good news with everyone. Jovie finds her Christmas spirit and wants to ignite the spirits of others.
Buddy also brings joy to Walter, Michael and Emily and helps bring them together as a family. Buddy and Michael show Walter that there's more to life than work, and Walter's act of self-sacrificing his job for the good of Buddy converts Walter from "naughty" to "nice."
Best of all though, the scene that still gives me chills is the scene where Santa flies over the group of carolers, to which the whole crowd and disbelieving television reporter Charlotte Dennon look up in awe. This makes me imagine what it will be like the day that Jesus finally returns, riding in on a chariot, as people will look on and think, "he truly is real!"
Sadly, the best clip I could find on the internet cuts this wondrous scene short. But next time you watch Elf, try to think about some of these things! In no way is Buddy Jesus, but in some ways, Buddy is Jesus-like. To say that someone is a Christian is to say that one is Christ-like.
Though I do not think the writers of the film intentionally did this, I do believe that there are Christian themes to look for and enjoy in Elf. The whole story of Santa is based around believing and has some similarities to faith (The Santa Claus 2 comes to mind!). So I'd challenge you to look for such things while you watch your favorite Christmas classics in the coming days, and maybe just maybe the birth of Christ and the generosity of Santa Claus can coexist this holiday season.
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
-Hebrews 11:1
Is there a Christmas movie you think has biblical themes (Nativity Story doesn't count!)? What is it? Let me hear your thoughts in the comments! Or on Twitter @vellvita7.
Merry Christmas!
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