#1 Elf - Lessons from a Buddy
Using Christmas Classics to learn and share Biblical Truth
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Through our missionary in Singapore, Andrew Tay, we have the opportunity to help provide training for pastors in India. The cost is $2,000 to train 30 pastors and Grace Church has a goal to raise $16,000 to cover 8 training sessions. All funds raised will go toward materials, housing, and food. If you are able to help, cash or check (made out to Grace Church) can be placed in a Missions Offering envelope found on the Information Board in the Lobby. Please be sure to write the word "India" on the envelope.
What a great opportunity to impact our world for Jesus Christ!
What a great opportunity to impact our world for Jesus Christ!
There are 2024 Bible reading journals for you to pick up in the Lobby if you haven't already. These will be used as we study God's Word together next year.
Also, there is a table where you/your family can create an ornament for the Christmas tree in the lobby. Instructions are given on the table.
Also, there is a table where you/your family can create an ornament for the Christmas tree in the lobby. Instructions are given on the table.
If you would like to exchange Christmas Cards with your Grace Church family, feel free to place cards in the baskets on the tables in the auditorium. Baskets are labeled with letters that correspond with the last names of our church families. Be sure to check the baskets as the month goes on to pick up cards given to your family!
Saturday, December 2nd - LuAnn Campbell, Angie Walker
Sunday, December 3rd - Greg Bowers, AJ Meehan
Tuesday, December 5th - Charlotte Meehan
Wednesday, December 6th - Oliver Berry, Oakley Berry
Thursday, December 7th - Teri Walters
Sunday, December 3rd - Greg Bowers, AJ Meehan
Tuesday, December 5th - Charlotte Meehan
Wednesday, December 6th - Oliver Berry, Oakley Berry
Thursday, December 7th - Teri Walters
Cards
Christmas classic movies...your beloved family favorites.
Share with someone which is your favorite.
This morning we're starting a series called Christmas Classics which is developed around several well-known Christmas movies.
This is the third installment of this series:
1. In 2006 we looked at The Grinch, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Charlie Brown.
2. In 2011 we covered Home Alone, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Christmas with the Kranks, and The Nativity Story.
Share with someone which is your favorite.
This morning we're starting a series called Christmas Classics which is developed around several well-known Christmas movies.
This is the third installment of this series:
1. In 2006 we looked at The Grinch, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Charlie Brown.
2. In 2011 we covered Home Alone, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Christmas with the Kranks, and The Nativity Story.
All these Christmas shows/movies have become part of the American social fabric and have shaped our understanding, vocabulary, behavior, and customs during the Christmas season.
As thinking Christians we should beware of what we and our family consume through the media...not everything in the world is squeaky clean.
Romans 12:2 [NLT]
Besides the potential dangers there are a multitude of possible conversation streams which could be used to challenge people's thinking and to teach Biblical principles. Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul demonstrated how secular events and conversations could be used to effectively engage our culture with the Word of God and the Gospel.
As thinking Christians we should beware of what we and our family consume through the media...not everything in the world is squeaky clean.
Romans 12:2 [NLT]
Besides the potential dangers there are a multitude of possible conversation streams which could be used to challenge people's thinking and to teach Biblical principles. Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul demonstrated how secular events and conversations could be used to effectively engage our culture with the Word of God and the Gospel.
Romans 12:2
BSB
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
BSB
The first message in this series is ELF - Lessons from a Buddy
Note: A thinking, spiritually sensitive follower of Jesus should always be able to see the areas that are in conflict with God's Word and find areas whereby we can dialogue about Biblical truths.
Here is a basic summary of the plot:
- ELF is the story of a toddler (Will Ferrell) who was accidentally transported to the North Pole in Santa’s bag and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves – His name is Buddy.
- Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, Buddy travels to New York, in search of his real identity and father, and does so in full ELF attire.
- Buddy is distressed by the nature of the Christmas he finds and the fact that there are fake Santa’s.
- The movie is filled with moments where Buddy demonstrates his endearing childlike enthusiasm and tells people about the real Santa.
Note: A thinking, spiritually sensitive follower of Jesus should always be able to see the areas that are in conflict with God's Word and find areas whereby we can dialogue about Biblical truths.
Here is a basic summary of the plot:
- ELF is the story of a toddler (Will Ferrell) who was accidentally transported to the North Pole in Santa’s bag and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves – His name is Buddy.
- Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, Buddy travels to New York, in search of his real identity and father, and does so in full ELF attire.
- Buddy is distressed by the nature of the Christmas he finds and the fact that there are fake Santa’s.
- The movie is filled with moments where Buddy demonstrates his endearing childlike enthusiasm and tells people about the real Santa.
As a Christian there are numerous themes that we could use from the movie to have deep and meaningful conversations about life and our Biblical faith.
Example #1 - How the events and people of life can shape our identity.
“Actually, I’m a human, but I was raised by elves.”
Example #2 – Growth requires that we take risks.
“Papa says my real father lives in a magical place far away… but the thing is, I’ve never left the North Pole.”
Example #3 – Success in life requires that we don’t give up.
“I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel.”
Example #4 – Being positive and maintaining our enthusiasm makes life better.
“I just like to smile! Smiling’s my favorite.”
“Good news! I saw a dog today!”
“Does somebody need a hug?”
“First we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle.”
Example #1 - How the events and people of life can shape our identity.
“Actually, I’m a human, but I was raised by elves.”
Example #2 – Growth requires that we take risks.
“Papa says my real father lives in a magical place far away… but the thing is, I’ve never left the North Pole.”
Example #3 – Success in life requires that we don’t give up.
“I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel.”
Example #4 – Being positive and maintaining our enthusiasm makes life better.
“I just like to smile! Smiling’s my favorite.”
“Good news! I saw a dog today!”
“Does somebody need a hug?”
“First we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle.”
One of the most famous lines from the movie is when Buddy says, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."
That line reminds us of the true Christmas story in Luke 2:1-18 [NLT]
That line reminds us of the true Christmas story in Luke 2:1-18 [NLT]
Luke 2:1-18
BSB
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.
2 This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
9 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
17 After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him.
18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
2 This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
9 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
17 After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him.
18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
BSB
The Luke passage teaches us several truths, all of which are seen in some form throughout the story plot of Elf:
1. God CARES about everyone.
Luke 2:1-3
Matthew 5:45b
1. God CARES about everyone.
Luke 2:1-3
Matthew 5:45b
Luke 2:1-3
BSB
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.
2 This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
2 This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
BSB
Matthew 5:45
BSB
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
BSB
2. God DESIRES mankind to be reconciled to Him.
Luke 2:4-7
Psalm 22:28
Luke 2:4-7
Psalm 22:28
Luke 2:4-7
BSB
4 So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
BSB
Psalms 22:28
BSB
28 For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.
BSB
3. God INTERVENES in the lives of humanity.
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 2:8-14
BSB
8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
9 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
9 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
BSB
4. God WANTS people to put their faith in His Son.
Luke 2:15-16
Luke 2:15-16
Luke 2:15-16
BSB
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
BSB
5. God EXPECTS that we go and tell others.
Luke 2:17-20
Luke 2:17-20
Luke 2:17-20
BSB
17 After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him.
18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
BSB
1. Be a thinking Christian and look at the real messages being conveyed in the media you watch.
2. Discover truths in media that provide common ground for you to talk about Biblical truth.
3. Honor Jesus this Christmas season and tell others about Him.
2. Discover truths in media that provide common ground for you to talk about Biblical truth.
3. Honor Jesus this Christmas season and tell others about Him.
