Why are ELVES a symbol of Christmas?
Luke 2:10 "but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.""
One of my favorite movies especially during Christmas is Elf starring Will Ferrell. The movie is hilarious. It's about a human who ended up at the North Pole and was raised by Elves, returning to New York to seek his biological father. He lived in a world of Elves. Short people who wear pointy hats and pointy shoes that make toys for kids around the world. And what about that Elf on the Shelf, you have to love the places he's been and the pictures he's taken!
Typically we don't hear about Elves all year, except for those Keebler cookie makers, but at Christmas they are everywhere. I remember my mother had a decoration she would put up near our Christmas tree every year, of Santa climbing a ladder and an Elf right behind him a step lower on the ladder. He seems to always be associated with Santa. Is that association the reason Elves are a symbol of Christmas? How do Elves point us to Christ?
Elves are known to be Santa's Little Helpers. People of cheer, joy, and being helpful. In some Christmas movies you'll even see Elves being the messengers for Santa, in helping to save Christmas to go rescue someone. Willing helpmates for the cause of spreading Christmas cheer and helping others to believe.
Remembering that Christmas is all about Jesus, I teach my children that even Elves play a purpose. The symbol of Elves point us to Christ in two ways.
First, they serve as a reminder of the angels who serve God and served a very helpful purpose that first Christmas season. Bringing messages to Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, even Elizabeth, and her husband Zacharias (Luke 1 & 2). These angels brought messages of good news and spread good cheer.
Secondly, Elves serve as a reminder of how we need to be as believers in Jesus Christ. No not in fashion, but in attitude. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10 that we were created to do good works. We need to be servants of the Most High and associate ourselves with him in helping others to believe. Allowing the God-given talents and abilities He has equipped us with to be used in blessing others. Elves are selfless and always at work for the greater cause.
So next time you see an Elf on the shelf or anywhere remember the good news that they bring. Remember the good news the angels brought. And remember the good news that Jesus commissioned us to bring (Matthew 28). Work joyfully unto the Lord and spread some Christ cheer!
Very cool!
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