Week Three - Christmas at the Movies Advent Devotion

Scripture: Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Theme: Joy

Movie: Elf

Movie Quote: “The Code of Elves

1.   Treat every day like Christmas.

2.   There’s room for everyone on the nice list.

3.   The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Reflection:

Buddy the Elf has a nearly unquenchable joy! The spirit of Christmas lives in him and his whole hope is to share love and cheer with the world. He has no fear of singing loudly off-key; is willing to stay up all night to do over-the-top decorations to celebrate Christmas; and believes in the good of all people. His childlike innocence and wonder at the beauty of Christmas win over even the grumpiest Scrooges in his life. His love and gratitude ultimately help others see Christmas through his joyful eyes.

We don’t have to eat non-stop sweets, decorate till we drop, or wear a Christmas costume like Buddy to experience the joy God has for each of us. We can mimic Buddy’s open-eyed wonder at the gifts of this season and his ability to see the possibilities in others. Think back to when you were a child waiting for Christmas morning. This joy is still available to you when you think of the miraculous gift of Jesus.

Questions:

           How can you rejoice and treat each new day as a gift?

           How can you celebrate the good in someone else today?

           How can you open yourself up just a bit more to the joy of Jesus’ birth?

Prayer:

God, please give us child-like wonder to see the gifts of each new day. Help us see the extravagance of the gift you give us in Jesus. Make us a blessing to others as the gift of your joy overflows through us. In your joy, amen.