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December
2004
Christmas Eyes
With a hint of a smile, the Conductor hands the Golden Ticket back to the
Boy. The boy's eyes go wide as he reads the letters punched out of his
ticket:
B E L I E V
E
From his exhilarating ride on the Polar Express,
the young boy learns that the key to unlocking the joy of Christmas is
belief in the mystery of Santa Claus.
I thoroughly enjoyed the film....and left the
movie theater that night wondering why! After all, it does focus on
the part of Christmas which retailers so thoroughly exploit each year. The
previews even included unabashed promotions for Polar Express items,
available at a Hallmark store near you. There was no mention of the
Incarnation, Jesus, or even love. Two moments in the show make oblique
reference to "the most real things are the things you can't see" and
the "secret of Christmas" in every person's heart.
So...why did I find this movie so touching
and magical? With further reflection, I came up with at least two
reasons:
#1: Wonder
The film stunningly portrayed the celebration of Christmas as a time
of magic, splendor and beauty. The sights and sounds of the voyage to the
North Pole, and intense imagery of the City showed us a Santa who is
over-the-top in lavish generosity and kindness. I was almost instantly
wistful for those days when my childish sense of wonder wasn't stilted or
stunted, but always turned on and tuned in.
#2: Godliness
The entire trip on the Polar Express is a journey of
redemption, a chance for the Boy to recover his belief. He is not forced,
but given every chance to make the choice of faith. Everyone involved with
the North Pole enterprise has one thing in mind: the happiness of kids,
young and small, around the world. Isn't this ultimately God's hope for
each of us?
Our Advent Journey
As we prepare to celebrate the First Coming of Jesus with Christmas,
and listen to the stories of Advent longing for His Second Coming in
Glory, let's look at our celebration with Christmas eyes.
Let's not waste time berating the
commercialism and capitalism that seem to have overcome our sacred
celebration. Let's not worry about "putting the Christ back into
Christmas." He is already there - he has never left! Instead, let us look
at the world around us with eyes open to the wonder of every person, of
every moment:
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In
the mall crowded with shoppers, let us see the generosity of those
seeking gifts;
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In
the racing Christmas lights, let us see the glow of the One who is
Light for the World;
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In
the face of Santa and Santa's helpers, let us see kindness, and
imagine God's unbounded love for us.
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In
the wood of the Crèche, let us see the Wood of the Cross, and the love
poured out by the One who walked our Walk, and gave his life for us.
This
season, let us embrace our chaotic world as a world redeemed. Let us embrace
the faith that will bring light to all of the dark places we visit.
Let us
celebrate what it really means to B E L I E V E .
Chris Weber
Director,
Catholic Education Ministries of Central Maryland
301-447-3707
Copyright © 2004 by the Catholic Education
Ministries Center of Central Maryland, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. All rights reserved.
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