Sermon: Movies reflect the heart of the season
Last week we at Crossroads Ministry were celebrating our volunteers at Mama Rose’s in Estes Park, and a fun time was had by all. We sure do appreciate every person that plays a part in helping us fulfill our mission. We are grateful for the incredible partnership we have as one neighbor helps another in their time of need.
Toward the end of our dinner I was given the opportunity to share a little bit and decided to highlight a few Christmas movies. My wife and I have made it somewhat of a tradition to watch at least ten Christmas movies during the month of December. And, no matter how many times I watch them there is always something that reminds me of a value I need to embrace more, a relationship I need to work on, or most importantly to focus my attention on the reason for the season. Below are just some notes I put down from my little message I shared with our volunteers. I hope something resonates with you as you enjoy the sights and sounds of this joyous season.
• “It’s a Wonderful Life”: George Bailey had dreams and thought he had settled for something less. An angel helped him discover that every life has significance; you just have to search for it and live into it. At Crossroads, we believe everyone has unique value and potential. It really is possible for everyone to experience a Wonderful Life.
• “Home Alone”: Kevin was upset with his family and wished they were gone, but in reality he really missed them and was overjoyed when they returned. He also had the opportunity to help his neighbor reconcile with his son. Being alone is a serious condition impacting 36% of Americans. At Crossroads, we realize some of our neighbors may not have companionship—therefore we befriend them.
• “A Christmas Carol” describes Scrooge as a self-centered person who put more emphasis on money than relationships. After a visit from three ghosts he experienced a transformation and he began to give with a cheerful heart. He discovered there is joy in giving! Our volunteers are the best at giving of their time, talent, and treasure. The process of giving releases the Scrooge inside of us!
• “White Christmas”: Retired Army general was discouraged and his troops came to his rescue. Our Crossroads troops are helping discouraged people fulfill their dreams and feel needed in this world
• “Miracle on 34th Street”: Doris worked at Macy’s and hired a Santa Claus for the store. Her daughter, Susan, was mesmerized by Kris Kringle and she began to believe in him. In fact, the movie ends with Susan and her mom getting a new house that they had wished for. Belief in something greater than ourselves is hard to grasp. We’re helping faith become a hopeful reality for hundreds of people.
• “Elf”: Searching to reunite with his biological father was a challenge. The differences and awkwardness caused embarrassment to his Dad and it broke his heart. Buddy’s trust and love in people overcame the divide and in the end the family was reunited. At CR, we’re accepting people wherever they are and helping them feel secure in who they are.
• “How the Grinch stole Christmas”: His heart was two sizes too small. Cindy Lou had a childlike faith that believed the Grinch was a good person down-deep and she made great effort to help him work through the hurt he had experienced as a child. He was different and the kids made fun of him so he turned against people. He stole all the gifts thinking this would steal the joy of Christmas, but it didn’t. The citizens of Who-ville were singing and celebrating in spite of this. The Grinch came to the realization that Christmas wasn’t about all the gifts and in a moment his heart grew three sizes. At CR, we’re focusing on the condition of the heart and helping people work through their hurts and become people of great joy.
• “Trading Places”: Two rich brothers did a social experiment by switching the lives of two people on opposite sides of the social hierarchy and observing the results. It was incredible for the man going from riches to rags (and rags to riches), but disastrous for the man going from riches to rags. At CR we have empathetic volunteers who mentally trade places with the person they’re serving to make sure we never underestimate or overlook how each person is feeling in the moment.
• “Twas the Night Before Christmas” describes the appearance of Santa Claus and his 8 reindeer landing on the roof and Santa sliding down the chimney to deliver presents. There are so many ideas of what Christmas is all about, but I’d like to take a moment to share a different version of the Night Before Christmas to give us an Insight into what it’s really all about.
‘Twas the night before Christmas and Mary & Joe,
Had traveled all day, and had no place to go.
The clerk at the inn said, “I’m sorry we’re booked.
There must be some place you haven’t looked.”
‘Twas the night before Christmas. No one seemed to care,
That Joseph and Mary, even were there.
They found an old stable and Mary was glad.
It seemed the best thing that the inn keeper had.
‘Twas the night before Christmas. At Gabriel’s command,
The choir of heaven departed as planned.
“We’ll make the announcements, and then while they gaze,
We’ll sing our carols of worship and praise.”‘
‘Twas the night before Christmas, the cattle were still.
The cry of that baby gave Mary a thrill.
The angels delivered their message to men.
They seemed so excited, they sang it again.
‘Twas the night before Christmas when God sent to earth,
The world’s greatest present. It was Jesus’ birth.
Wrapped in a blanket, and sleeping on hay,
God became man, on that first Christmas day.
…………..BRIAN SCHAFFER | Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park
