Feeling the Weight of the World? Buddy the Elf Has a Lesson for You this Christmas

In a weary world, his unapologetic joy reveals the bold hope Christmas demands of us.

(Photo courtesy of Elf's Facebook page)

Those who know me know that I am obsessed with the movie Elf. Like I can quote the whole thing obsessed.

It’s a weird thing to admit in writing, in a Catholic magazine, I know, but stay with me.

Beyond how absolutely hilarious I’ve always found the movie to be, and the magic of New York City at Christmastime, there’s something deeper that’s always caught my attention: the utter brazenness of Buddy the Elf’s joy. The human raised by elves serves as an odd yet powerful example for this human raised by humans.

Whether it’s when he hears of Santa’s arrival and screeches in excitement or when he meets his father for the first time, Buddy the Elf is unapologetic — albeit a bit over the top — with his joy.

Nothing can contain it: not judgmental looks from others; not a brash correction from Walter, his grumpy, Grinch-like father; not the bite of a teenage brother’s criticism; not a broken-down sleigh; not even... the Central Park Rangers.

And that joy is contagious. Even his curmudgeonly father can’t help but see his heart transformed by the joy-filled example of his long-lost elf son.

But, brothers and sisters, there is something greater than Buddy the Elf here.

Unchristmaslike Times

It’s no secret that we live in heavy times, in a broken world: war, famine, economic strife, death, illness, addiction, homelessness, crime, vitriol, division, polarization — the list goes on and on.

The world today is suffering. And that suffering seems only to grow, to get worse, to be ever scarier.

Things seem dark, tense. It might even seem like Christmas Spirit is on the decline and there’s nothing to be done.

If only we had the Kringle 3000 to bridge the gap.

If only we had Santa’s list to read out on television.

If only “singing loud for all to hear” could fix it all.

The Joyful Hope of Christmas

Brothers and sisters, we Catholic Christians have a definitive response to the suffering of the world — something greater than a 500 reindeer-power engine, Santa’s list or a Christmas carol.

We have reason for joyful hope: Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, our Savior, is born to us. He enters into the mess of the world, takes on the pang of our fallen human condition, and redeems us.

Brothers and sisters, do we really believe that? Do we appreciate the effects of Jesus’ coming into our lives?

From the Nativity on, everything changes. Darkness is defeated; sin is conquered; death is powerless. Suffering has meaning; Heaven is opened; and we are no longer alone. Jesus’ birth changes everything, and it gives us reason for profound hope and unassailable joy, even amid great suffering.

Living in Joyful Tension

Even in the time of the Holy Family, Christmas took place amid great darkness. Soon after Jesus was born, King Herod slaughtered children who could have been the prophesied King of the Jews. Jesus, Mary and Joseph fled to avoid such violence, ending up in exile.

This Christmas might seem darker than ever before, somehow more intense than previous periods. But the light, joy and hope of Christmas have always existed alongside the darkness, pain and suffering of the world.

We are not yet in our heavenly home, and we live in great, serious suffering. When it comes to bear upon us, it can be nearly overwhelming.

But, even amid the storms of life this Christmas, we can find joy in the Christ Child. We know that Jesus has conquered it all, that the war has been won, that his Nativity gives everything new meaning.

Both realities can be true: we live in a fallen world, and we have great reason for hope, for joy.

A Joyfully Countercultural Christmas

What if, this Christmas, we took a lesson from Buddy the Elf and lived a countercultural — albeit over-the-top — joy? A joy rooted not in Santa, the four elfish food groups or any of the elven hobbies, but rather in the world-changing reality of Jesus’ Nativity?

What if, this Christmas season, we chose to seek after the joy that only the Christ Child can give us?

Instead of saying “no” and self-isolating under the stress, what if we went all in?

Rather than feel the pressures of Catholic guilt this season — are you praying as much as you’re shopping?? — what if we entered into the holiday hustle and bustle with a joy even greater than Buddy the Elf, a joy rooted in the conviction that Christ’s coming matters?

Jesus has saved us! Eat that extra Christmas cookie!

Jesus has redeemed us! Hang the extra string of Christmas lights!

Jesus has been born! Go to that extra Christmas party or concert!

Brothers and sisters, this is one of the greatest events of human history. This is the moment that angels and saints, patriarchs and prophets, awaited with bated breath. This is the moment promised from the beginning, just after the fall of Adam and Eve (see Genesis 3:15).

Our Savior has come!

Now, let me be clear: we should absolutely still make time to spiritually prepare for such a miraculous event. It is good to pause and praise the Lord for our salvation. It is holy to reflect on our redemption.

But this Christmas, our Christ-centered joy can become our prayer. Our over-the-top jubilation at the coming of our Savior can be our countercultural witness.

Then, when our neighbors, friends and family give us the side-eye and ask, “What’s up with you?” or snidely inquire, "So you're like, really Christian, aren't you?" we can share the cause of our hope, the reason for our joy (see 1 Peter 3:15).

This Christmas, the best way to spread real, lasting cheer might really be singing loud for all to hear — for there’s something greater than Buddy the Elf here.