There is a classic scene in the movie “Elf” where Buddy the Elf (who has run away from Santa’s workshop) confronts the department store Santa stand-in over his real identity. Take a look:
This is a funny scene, but also reminds us of a great truth about our Savior this Christmas. We are fortunate that we do not have a department store Savior who only shows up at Christmas time ceremonially for us to honor and remember. We have a Savior who genuinely loves us and KNOWS us. This is the idea behind the many Old Testament allusions to the Messiah being our Shepherd. Isaiah 40:11 is one of those passages as it says, “He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
We have a Savior who knows us like a shepherd knows his sheep. We have a Savior who is willing to risk His life (and even give His life) to save ours. Far more than a sentimental figure-head over an ideal of love, Jesus knows us and comes to give us life.
When we gather to worship Christ this Christmas, let us remember that He wants to gather us in His arms . . . the real Savior who knows us.