Lessons Learned from Reindeer Games

It seemed like the perfect time to do it. In fact, it was the first time that all of us had gathered under one roof since the birth of my youngest grandchild Javi.

“Time for my annual Christmas card photo!” I announced.

With Thanksgiving leftovers yet under wrap

We settled on the sofa, babies on lap

When what to our wondering eyes did appear

But a spirited Grandma and six tiny reindeer

More rapid than eagles the photographers came

They whistled and shouted and called them by name:

“Now, Javi! Now, Eli! Now, Layla and Addison!

Come on now, Nicky! Come on now, Cristian!"

But soon we discovered that babies aren’t into reindeer games. All that shouting and waving outstretched hands that resembled reindeer antlers themselves did nothing to coax a simultaneous smile from the herd, but everything to terrorize and conjure cries from our wee ones.

It was time to call it quits on the pics and pull the babies in for some mommy comfort.

This experience with my miniature reindeer taught me a lesson with more points than the record-breaking number on the deer display at Cabela’s—well, at least six. Allow me to share.

Point #1: When you’re overstimulated, it’s time for light duty.

We realized later that our smile-summoning antics were way over-the-top for our little ones. We had to withdraw them from the picture (pun intended) for a while (okay, maybe for a night) for some much-needed refreshment. Can you relate? Have you been overstimulated by the season? Too many voices calling your name? Too much vying for your attention? Jesus knew the feeling. After much coming and going, He said to his disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31).

Perhaps we should do the same. After all, with no disrespect, He is the birthday Boy.

Point #2: Light is a show-stopper.

 

A couple days after our picture-taking escapades, I purchased a dollar store Rudolph nose and paid a visit to my two-year-old granddaughter. The flashing red light got Addison’s attention—and finally a cute photo for my card.

Christmas lights are a head-turner. Sometimes they even cause us to pull off the road to get a better look. But did you know that Christmas lights began with God? Yes, God used a brilliant light display over Bethlehem to alert lowly shepherds who were watching their flocks by night. He definitely got their attention when an angel appeared to bring good tidings of great joy. A Savior had been born!

God has an announcement for each of us. Does He have our attention?

 Point #3: You’re just right to share the light.

If you live in America, you know the story of Rudolph, a misfit reindeer who found his purpose one foggy Christmas Eve. To Santa, misfit Rudolph was the right fit. To God, a misfit can be the right fit too. Shepherds were misfits in Jesus’ time. They smelled like sheep, slept on the ground, and made little money. Yet God chose to make His startling revelation of Jesus’ birth to them and called them to spread the word concerning what they had been told.

Your limitations do not limit God. In fact, you’re perfect for the position He has planned. Are you willing to answer the call?

  

Point #4: Lighten up!

When we talked softly with the babies one-on-one, we were able to capture those coveted smiles. It was easy to make a connection when we put aside our picture-taking antics and interacted with them in a loving way. Maybe that’s the way God wants us to share His message of hope. Put aside all the hoopla and be relatable.

Point #5: Light leads the way.

It was Rudolph’s shiny red nose that lit the way through the fog to guide Santa’s special delivery sleigh.

It was also a light that guided the Magi to the place where Jesus was so that they too could make a special delivery—gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

God sent to us a special delivery gift more precious than gold. Have you found it? Just look to the Light.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life" (John 8:12).

Point #6: Get your light on!

As followers of Jesus, we have the Light of life. But we have to make sure we turn it on every day. When I turned on the Rudolph nose, it flashed a bright light. Addie was fascinated and wanted to try it on herself. When we “get our light on,” others will stop in their tracks and turn aside to see this great sight. They will want to try it on themselves. And isn't that what spreading the good news is all about?

 May the Light of Christ’s love shine in your heart this Christmas. And in the coming year, may He make you as surefooted as a deer, enabling you to stand on mountain heights (Psalm 18:33).

Have a very, merry Christmas! And remember—get your light on!