How many people here are familiar with the story of Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer? Great! I have theory. I think the story of Rudolph has parallels to the story of John the Baptist. What do think? Are you curious? Here’s why I think this could be true…
In the animated classic, Rudolph is born to Donner – one of the eight reindeer who pull Santa’s sled. This would put him in line to also pull the sled with the appropriate training. John the Baptist is the son of Zechariah, a priest in the order of Abijah. This priesthood is emphasised when Zechariah was chosen to enter the sanctuary and offer incense. Of course, it is that moment when he is visited by an angel and learns about the coming of his son. By birthright, John also belonged to the priestly order of Abijah and could thus have received training to become a priest. Both Rudolph and John were born with an important legacy.
Except both Rudolph and John weren’t like their fathers. Rudolph is different because of his red nose which lights up and becomes a reason for him to be marginalised. John was born to fulfill a prophecy that is further made public when his father, mute since the visit of the angel, miraculously begins to speak to give John his name. In Zechariah’s subsequent prophecy, he proclaims: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” (Lk 1:76)
Being different changes the paths of these two and leads them into the wilderness where, I think, the similarities get even stronger. In the wilderness, Rudolph meets Hermes, and Yukon Cornelius and the group ends up at the island of misfit toys where they meet toys on the margins because they are different – there is a Jack in the box named Charlie, a bird that swims, a train with square wheels, and so on. These toys don’t follow traditional conventions. Since Rudolph, and Hermes, and Yukon Cornelius are also outside of the norm, the toys trust them, and find hope in the promise that the toys will find homes on Christmas through the advocacy of Rudolph and his friends.
John intentionally goes into the wilderness. He situates himself outside of the norm creating space for people to hear what he has to say differently. John is not like the elite of the temple who require sacrifices, tithes, and a variety of traditional conventions to hear what God has to say. John doesn’t have hoops for people to jump through to be baptised and experience belonging. Instead, he creates spaces where diverse individuals can find hope in the promise that they will find a home with God in the Kingdom that is coming.
Fundamentally, Rudolph is a reindeer with a difference. He is not haughty. He doesn’t exclude. Rather, he uses his experience and his connections to show a different way of participating in the joy of Christmas.
John is a prophet for the people. He is not haughty. He doesn’t exclude. Rather, John is the voice in the wilderness proclaiming the good news the Messiah is coming to everyone!
In the end both Rudolph and John shine a light in the darkness not for themselves but for the whole world. In this way both Rudolph and John remind us that God works in and through this world walking with those on the margins offering hope and life to all. In God there's no need to fit the norm to feel a sense of belonging. In God we don't have to be perfect, our sins can be forgiven. In God we can trust that there's always more than we can ask or imagine waiting just around the corner for those who have faith. God is, after all, a God that colours outside the lines.
So, do you agree? Are there profound parallels between Rudolph the red nosed reindeer and John the Baptist? Are there things we can learn from the character and this individual?
Perhaps. Trusting in these lessons let us open ourselves to continually walk in the wilderness proclaiming the good news, seeking out the misfits, and promising that will do all we can to honour everyone. This we pray as we sing: (VT) #582 My Love Colours Outside the Lines.