Home Alone & The Gospel
I've grown up watching Home Alone, along with the other classic Christmas movies from the '90s.
But after this weekend, I am seeing Home Alone through an entirely new lens.
Home Alone reminded me of the Gospel.
First, let's address the obvious...Yes, it's still November, and I'm going to move forward and talk about Christmas. I could wait, but as my friend Tanner Olson (@writtentospeak) so generously reminds me and his group of friends on the internet, "It's never too soon for joy..." I couldn't agree more with his words. If you need some joy today, tomorrow, or this weekend – whenever – put up the Christmas lights, get the tree up, and make yourself some hot cocoa.
I don't think you'll regret it 🎄
Now, I'd also add to Tanner's encouragement, it's never too soon
(or you don't need to wait) for a reminder of the Gospel.
So over the weekend, I went to the Indianapolis Symphony with my mom, brother, and sister-in-law to watch a special screening of (you've guessed it) Home Alone.
Okay, when I tell you I didn't know what to expect, I truly was not prepared.
Experiencing music and the original soundtrack to a movie that's been with you all your life – well, that experience in itself is something I'm going to hold close for years to come.
It's incredible to see the conductor, musicians, and choir work in perfect unison. My friends and family know I can barely keep a beat during worship on Sundays (or a concert), so I'm just sitting in awe of the harmony that is a fully immersive experience.
I soaked it in, for sure.
Now, this movie by itself is all the things we love about the Christmas season. The comedy (and sometimes reality) around our families during the holidays, Kevin's adventure, and the belief that anything is possible during this time.
It is inspiring.
Yet, what do we really want for Christmas, Thanksgiving, any Holiday, or for our lives (if I can be so bold)?
This moment during Home Alone may be brief, and if we miss it, we can miss the most beautiful invitation of all.
When Kevin enters the church on Christmas Eve, he is drawn in by the children's choir singing Christmas hymns. Then, he sees "Him," his supposedly creepy and scary neighbor...Old Man Marley, but to his surprise, when his neighbor Marley says, "Merry Christmas," and asks if he can sit with Kevin. Kevin is totally caught off guard, stunned that he's kind.
Now, I've watched this scene numerous times, but this time was different.
Watching it as an adult who has experienced firsthand how challenging holidays can be, the absence of family members due to misunderstandings, disagreements, or, honestly, all of us walking in different directions...it's brutal.
I remember several years in a row where the Holidays would come with a gut punch of sadness, when deep down you wish you could all be together.
But it's been a while since we last talked.
So...when Kevin genuinely encourages his neighbor, Marley, to call his son, I can resonate with that fear and uncertainty of what if they don't answer? What if they don't forgive me? What if...
Yet, Kevin's words ring louder in my mind and heart:
“All this time I’ve been worried about it, but if you turn on the lights, it’s no big deal.”
Isn't that what Christmas is about? Reminding ourselves of the truer and everlasting light, to remember that it may be dark in certain seasons, but it is Christ who is our guiding light.
But, I'll take it one step further, that is exactly what the Gospel is about...hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
I've experienced both sides of this, friend.
I know it's hard.
I also know it's worth it.
We fast-forward to the end of the movie, where Kevin is back home, thanks to his neighbor. We see through Kevin's eyes the fruit of encouragement through an earnest and heartfelt conversation.
We witness a true reconciliation between a father and his son.
I couldn't help but see this Gospel thread of redemption woven together in this movie.
Paired with the community aspect of gathering together with strangers, where we are experiencing it all together through laughter, sadness, and I believe hope towards the end...
Because in the end, Kevin is also reunited with his family.
He realizes they are a gift in his life.
And how much they need one another.
Before Thanksgiving comes around next week, and before we officially enter into the Christmas season, what would it look like to carry this hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation with us?
Is there someone you need to reach out to?
Maybe clear the air? Or perhaps is Jesus inviting you into a relationship with Him?
Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, know you are not alone.
You may feel alone, like Kevin did, all by himself in that giant house.
But God is with you. He sent His son, Jesus, to rescue you and me.
Remember, it's never too soon for joy or the hope Jesus paid for through His very life.
Draw near to Him today.
Whether that looks like...
Talking to God through prayer
(even if it's been a while)
Hearing God's voice through reading scripture
(even if it's been a while)
Resting in God's peace through taking a walk in nature
(even if it's been a while)
...or maybe you need to reach out to a friend who can walk with you.
And if you need to put up those decorations, go for it, friend 🎄
P.S. if you have more questions about Jesus, send me an email at hello@gentleandlowly.co 💛
Addison (Addie) Ott
Author, Multidisciplinary Creative & Entrepreneur
Founder of gentle and lowly co.
Helping you carry the gentle love of Jesus, wherever you go…
