Most of us have sung the song and seen the movie many times. Poor Rudolph was laughed at and even shunned from joining the others in the reindeer games. He started to believe that he had no purpose in life and was worthless. I can’t help but feel a little bad for Rudolph. After all, he only wanted to fit in and be an active member of the group. He did not realize that his nose had a bigger purpose. It quickly transformed from a burden to a glory when it helped guide Santa’s sleigh. It is amazing how the other reindeer changed their tune when they realized that Rudolph’s special nose had saved Christmas.
How easy it is for us to become the “other reindeer”. We tend to look at the surface value of a person and miss the true significance of their life to God. May I remind you that people in the Bible who were called to great works by God’s plan where often seen as weird, radical, and even crazy. John the Baptist with his camel’s hair coat and diet of locust and wild honey seemed like he had lost his mind. How many people missed his message because they couldn’t overlook his “red nose”?
There are many Rudolphs in our world that are hurting because of their “red nose”. They may not understand why God has given them something that others tend to despise, shun, or see as less important. Our job as Christians is to help them draw closer to God and understand that He has a purpose for their life and a purpose for their red nose. (Jer. 29:11, Rom 8:28 )* Let us not forget that if it wasn’t for Rudolph’s nose there would have been no Christmas that year.
Pray
Holy God, I thank you for Your great plans. Help me to understand and accept any “red noses” that You have put in my life. I know that Your will is perfect, and I stand on the promises that You have good plans and a purpose for my life. I thank You for loving me regardless of my shortcomings. Lord, help me to be accepting and uplifting to those around me in which You have blessed with “red noses”. Grant me the grace to comfort them with the knowledge that they are designed by You and they are special in Your sight. In Your Son Jesus’ name, Amen (So Be It).
