Advent is a joyous time which is punctuated by a reliable television schedule that guides us toward Christmas Day. Over the next few weeks, the Christmas specials will pop up on the TV with Jamie Oliver and Co. showing us all how joyous and easy catering a bespoke Christmas gathering can be. In the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day we will be offered the main fare – Michael Buble and all of the Christmas movies we know and love.
What does your Christmas viewing say about you? Here is a quick reference guide which I hope links your favourite Christmas shows to our faith.
Home Alone (1990) – You have empathy and enjoy a good chuckle
This family favourite is a heart-warming and humorous illustration of the importance of family and how we might become more aware of those we love due to their absence. The story explores the concept of not valuing what you have and how you are always loved by your family; even if you maim a few villains and destroy the house in the process. Macaulay Culkin plays a lovable and highly resourceful cherub that draws us into the cat and mouse game in which he outwits the less than capable criminals.
If you love this show you might spend a few minutes re-reading The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother (Luke 15:11-32) and consider the deeper meaning hidden in this wonderful movie.
Polar Express (2004) – You view the world through eyes of awe and wonder
Polar Express is the highest grossing Christmas film to date and has taken in over $314 million. They charm of this animated Christmas show is found in the simplicity of the story rather than the (at the time) state of the art animation. The movie presents Chris as a disenchanted boy who no longer believes in Christmas and board the Polar Express for an adventure to the North Pole to see for himself. As with all good Christmas movies even when resolved the question still exists, but there is evidence to assure young Chris that it is real and was not just a wild dream.
If this show speaks to you consider reflecting on the many accounts of God revealing himself to people throughout the Bible and how these revelations were proven to be more than simply a dream. In particular you may contemplate the Annunciation and how God’s will was revealed to Joseph in a dream and how his response ensured evidence its authenticity, (Matthew 1:18-25).
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989) – You have great insight and enjoy the truth hidden among the ridiculous.
This movie follows a familiar Christmas plot of a dysfunctional family who through the trials of Christmas, many of them ridiculous but hilarious, become aware of the importance of family and forgiveness. There a so many classic scenes it’s hard to encapsulate why this movie is so loved by many, but the switching on of the Christmas lights and the supercharged toboggan sum up the frustrations that once overcome bring such immense love. Coming to love one another with all of our failings is a message we can all apply within our families.
If you love this movie it might be profitable to spend some time reflecting upon The Way of Love as offered in 1 Corinthians 13:4-13.
Elf (2003) – You are kind hearted and enjoy the beauty of simplicity.
This modern classic focused on the theme of identity and acceptance. Buddy “the Elf” goes on a journey of self-discovery and in doing so finds that he is loved as he is. His naivety and the way he encounters the world with eyes of wonder are humorous and heart-warming. His love of all things syrupy might also ease our festive season gastronomic guilt. As we watch the story unfold we see that all of the things that make up Buddy are the things that people love and bring about transformation in others. The skills he learned from Papa Elf, his commitment to Christmas and love for all things saves the day. What a wonderful Christmas movie to end on.
As you enjoy this movie in the lead up to Christmas you might consider reading the any of the Gospels again. Buddy the elf is an interesting contrast to Jesus. Both welcomed and loved all people, are not concerned with what others think about them and the compassion freely given is infectious and transformative.
As you journey though Advent this year be sure to schedule your television so you don’t miss you favourite Christmas shows. Even if you are busy, with all of the streaming services on offer you are sure to be able to sit down and enjoy and old favourite that speaks to you about the joy of Christmas. As watch your favourite shows consider how the story and emotions feed into your spiritual life and how these insights may help you offer the joy of Christmas to others a little more this year.
Brendan Nicholls is Liturgy Coordinator at St Ignatius College, Geelong