Get on Board!
Its not long off Christmas and my grandson Ben (below - 4 in December) has been watching his favourite DVD, The Polar Express. The other afternoon I was looking after him and together we sat and watched it again. I have to say that I also really like the film (movie).
Towards the end I was glad that Ben was cuddled into me so he could not see my eyes welling up with tears (yes it makes me cry). I don’t know if you have seen it or know the story, but basically its about a boy who on Christmas Eve has a dream about The Polar Express which takes children to the North Pole to see Father Christmas. There are bits all the way through which the more I see, the more I directly relate our journey with God.
Another little boy on the train who knows it all, who wants everything for Christmas and wants to be chosen by Santa doesn’t get chosen (self centredness & materialism?)
In the dream the boy picks up a sleighbell that has fallen off Santa’s sleigh and returns it to him. Then when he wakes and goes down to find the presents by the tree in his home, there is a little box and inside is the sleighbell. He knows Santa has been. He believes. He shakes the bell and can hear it ring, so can his sister. His parents ask him what it is and he gives it to them - neither of the adults can hear the bell.
By the way the cut out in the sleighbell is in the form of a cross.
I just can’t help but relate it to our journey with God. How in tune are we with God? Can we hear Him or is He getting fainter are we drifting away? Have we lost the ability to hear Him at all? In the film it says that at one time most could hear the bell but for some it has fallen silent, however the bell still rings for those who truly believe.
In the film the conductor says it doesn’t matter about the destination, the most important thing is to get on board. Do you truly believe and trust God? Are you in tune with Him? If you are you will hear His voice and He will lead you where He wants you to go.
As we run up to Christmas are you ready to accept the greatest gift from God, Jesus? Will you receive Him into your life?
Are You on Board for the journey?
October 24th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Pete, I haven’t seen the movie. I like the parallels you’ve drawn out of it though. In the midst of our busyness and expectations of what it’s ’supposed to be’, I think it’s so easy to miss the small still voice. I want His voice to echo in my head or my senses to be so keen that I don’t miss the most subtle whispers He’s trying to show me.