Island of Misfit Toys
I was 7 years old the first time I saw Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer on our color TV. Besides the always enchanting story of Rudolph's acceptance into reindeer society, I enjoy the characters created for the television special that I had never heard of in the song. One, the the abominable snow monster, Bumble, can be held responsible for several nights of less-than-sound-sleep for me. Another, Hermey, the Elf that wanted to be a dentist, inspired me to follow my dreams. Of all the Christmas specials, this one was my favorite as a child. These days, what I appreciate about the movie is the inclusion in the story of misfits, specifically those on the Island of Misfit Toys.
Perhaps you too recall these toys? Charlie-in-the-Box, the island's sentry, is a perfectly good jack-in-the-box, except for his name. There's the cowboy that rides an ostrich, a train with square wheels, and a toy boat that sinks. By far my favorite is King Moonracer, the lion with wings that rules the island. Each night, he flies around the world looking for unwanted toys and brings them back to the island to live together.
How appropriate that the creators of this holiday special chose a lion - a symbol of Christ - as the island's ruler. While King Moonracer keeps watch for misfit toys all over the world, the Lion of Judah keeps watch over each one of us. Lion lore says that the lion sleeps with one eye open, always watchful, even at rest. How about that? Solid theology in a Christmas special: God is always watching and looking for us. The beginning of Advent this week calls us to join the Lion, alert and watchful, joining in as the whole world longs for the gift of Christ.
I lovingly think of Chestnut Ridge as my own Island of Misfit Toys. Here, I reside with persons from all walks of life. Some stay but a few hours, others make this their home. For a time, we reside together, an eclectic bunch gathered by the Lion's lavish hospitality and call. We're not without square wheels and ostriches, but we're also not without hope and dreams. Together we share the gift of community. When someone struggles, we bring support. When someone celebrates, we all cheer. In the midst of life together, we discover our gifts and claim our calling. We're figuring out what it means to love another. We are united in our worship of the Lion who watches over us...and calls us to watch over each other.
In this season of Advent, I am grateful for the many ways in which watchfulness pervades my life. I am always watching for the active presence of God, manifest so often through the people - young and old - who form the ever-changing community at Chestnut Ridge. Community - the gift of life together - is something to value.
Anybody know where we can get a egg-laying, milk-producing flying pig?