Tag Archives: Christmasland

Advent, Devotional

All Aboard the Faith Express

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Read Isaiah 11:1-10

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“And in another place Isaiah said, ‘The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him'” (Romans 15:12 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of AI developed by Microsoft.

The concept of “Christmasland” can evoke different images. In Joe Hill’s novel NOS4A2, it’s portrayed as a sinister place where a supernatural villain takes kidnapped children, promising eternal happiness but delivering a twisted, soulless existence. This dark portrayal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking fulfillment in false promises or superficial joy.

However, in the beloved children’s story and film The Polar Express, we encounter a different kind of journey to a Christmas wonderland – one that leads to growth, belief, and the true spirit of the season. This stark contrast invites us to reflect on the nature of our own spiritual journeys and the authenticity of our faith.

As we embark on our Advent journey, Isaiah’s prophecy paints a picture of hope and renewal. A shoot springing from a seemingly dead stump, bringing new life and possibility. This promised ruler will usher in an era of justice, righteousness, and peace – a vision that may seem too good to be true in our often chaotic world. Yet, it’s this very promise that we’re called to anticipate and believe in during the Advent season.

The Polar Express invites us to take a leap of faith, much like the child in the story who boards a magical train to the North Pole. This journey isn’t about escaping reality or finding a superficial “Christmasland,” but about rediscovering wonder and belief. As the train winds its way through the night, the passengers face doubts and challenges, mirroring our own spiritual journeys. The conductor, much like our spiritual leaders, guides them with wisdom and care, echoing the righteous leader described in Isaiah 11:3-5.

The film’s depiction of the North Pole isn’t a deceptive paradise, but represents the destination of a transformative journey. It’s a place where the true spirit of Christmas – generosity, kindness, and faith – comes alive. This echoes the promise in Romans 15:12, where the hope brought by the Messiah extends to all nations. The diverse group of children on the train symbolizes this inclusive nature of God’s call, reminding us that the journey of faith is open to all who choose to believe.

As we anticipate Christ’s coming, we’re called to embrace a childlike faith – not naive or escapist, but open to wonder and transformation. The journey in The Polar Express reminds us that belief often requires taking steps into the unknown, trusting even when we can’t see the full picture. This mirrors our own faith journey, where we’re asked to trust in God’s promises even when our circumstances seem bleak or uncertain.

The magical bell from Santa’s sleigh in the film serves as a powerful metaphor for faith. Only those who truly believe can hear its sweet sound. Similarly, recognizing God’s work in our lives often requires a heart attuned to His presence. As we journey through Advent, we’re invited to “listen” for God’s presence in our lives, to be attentive to the ways God’s working, even when it’s not immediately apparent.

In this Advent season, let’s approach our faith journey with the wide-eyed wonder of a child on the Polar Express. May we be open to moments of transformation, ready to have our perspectives shifted and our hearts renewed. Though the world around us may be chaotic, we can find peace and stability in the promise of Christ’s reign. Let us anticipate not a superficial “Christmasland,” but the true joy and peace that come from a genuine encounter with the Christ child.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Faith, like the magic of Christmas, requires us to believe in what we cannot always see. As we journey through Advent, may we cultivate a spirit of anticipation and wonder, trusting in God’s promises even when they seem impossible.

PRAYER
God of hope, renew our childlike faith and help us to see Your work in the world around us. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.

Advent, Devotional

Avoiding Christmasland

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Read John 12:44-50

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous” (Psalm 112:4 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of AI developed by Microsoft.

As a theologian with an unabashed love for horror, I’ve always been drawn to vampire stories. There’s something captivating about these creatures of darkness that feeds our imagination and challenges our perceptions of good and evil. Joe Hill, son of the legendary Stephen King, has created a unique and unforgettable vampire in his novel NOS4A2 – one that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. In fact, I’d argue that Hill’s creation rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, his father’s own contributions to vampire lore in terms of originality and impact.

NOS4A2 introduces us to Charlie Manx, a sinister being who kidnaps children in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith, promising to take them to “Christmasland” – a twisted version of holiday cheer where it’s Christmas every day, and children never grow up. But this eternal childhood comes at a terrible cost, as the children lose their humanity and become soulless, sharp-toothed creatures. Opposing Manx is Victoria McQueen, a young woman with the supernatural ability to find lost things by riding her bicycle across a magical bridge.

The novel’s central conflict between Manx and Vic embodies the theme of light battling darkness. Vic, despite her flaws and struggles, represents hope and the potential for redemption. She fights not just for herself, but for her son and all the children Manx has taken. Her journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, when we feel most lost or broken, we can still choose to be a force for good.

This struggle between light and darkness resonates deeply with our Christian faith. Just as Vic battles the darkness represented by Manx, we too are called to be bearers of Christ’s light in a world often shrouded in spiritual darkness. Jesus declares in John 12:46, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” Like Vic, we may feel ill-equipped or unworthy, but Christ’s light shines through our imperfections.

The novel’s Christmas imagery, though distorted by Manx, can prompt us to reflect on the true meaning of Advent. This season isn’t about perpetual cheer or escaping reality, but about anticipating the light of Christ entering our world. It’s a time of hopeful waiting, acknowledging the darkness around us while looking forward to the dawn of salvation. Advent is not just a season for remembering the past (when Jesus came as a baby), but it is also a season for preparing for the future coming of King Jesus, the one who will “wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4, NLT).

In our daily lives, we can apply these themes by recognizing the “Christmaslands” that tempt us – those false promises of happiness that ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness. Instead, we’re called to avoid Christmasland and be like Vic, using our unique gifts to combat darkness and bring light to others. This might mean reaching out to someone struggling with loneliness, standing up against injustice, or simply offering a kind word to brighten someone’s day.

Remember, like Vic’s magical bridge, our faith connects us to a power greater than ourselves. We don’t fight darkness alone, but with the strength of Christ within us. As we navigate our own battles against the darkness, let’s hold onto the promise that the light of Christ will ultimately prevail.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the darkest night, Christ’s light shines brightest. How can you be a bearer of that light today?

PRAYER
Lord, make us beacons of Your light in this world, courageously facing darkness with the hope and love of Christ. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.