“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out,” Walter Winchell. Such a perfect description of a true loving friendship. My dearest friend is sleeping in the guest room tonight tucked under the quilts with her little black dog Charlie Brown. We’re wearing our matching dog pattern pajamas. I’m in my room tucked in under my covers with my little brown dog Penelope. We’ve all had a wonderful day, lots of laughter. Oldest sister-in-law joined us for shopping and lunch. Friends are such blessings and certainly gifts from a loving God. I think the Bible scripture from Romans defines friendship. “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” My sweet friend has given me so much happiness, so much sunshine, so much laughter. She’s also cried with me, held me in my grief, and lifted me up in her prayers. I am so thankful for her and all my friendships.

Read this quote last night and I loved it. “He always knew he was a little different, but he let this light shine regardless of what others said. Be more Rudolph.” Been pondering on Rudolph tonight and wondering how Jesus and Rudolph are alike. Rudolph was bullied by the other reindeer for being different, having a shiny red nose. Rudolph was eventually accepted when he became a hero for pulling Santa’s sleigh, leading the way with his red twinkling nose. Rudolph had a physical light that led Santa out of the darkness.

Jesus and his disciples were often misfits, chosen by God but rejected by the world. Jesus was bullied and made to wear a crown of thorns. He was slapped and mocked and spit on, eventually killed. But Jesus didn’t retaliate in anger, he was more concerned about his torturers’ souls. Jesus had a spiritual light of goodness that radiated around him.

Both Rudolph and God bring light and hope in times of darkness. Rudolph gave hope to the lost people and the misfit toys. God gives us hope through our prayers and gives our life a purpose. Just as Santa chose Rudolph to lead his sleigh, God chooses the unlikely to do extraordinary things. We’re all different and our differences give us strength. We should celebrate what’s make us unique. Scripture in 1 Samuel, says “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Jesus steers the sleighs in our lives, driving us down God’s chosen path of righteousness. God loves all of us in spite of our flaws and imperfections. Conrad Hall wrote, “There is a kind of beauty in imperfection.” We can “be more Rudolph” by sharing our spiritual light with others through our kindness and compassion, accepting each other and our differences, letting God’s light shine bright enough through us for others to see their way out of the darkness. Let’s all pledge to be more Rudolph.

“He always knew he was a little different, but he let his light shine regardless of what others said.” — Unknown