One of my favorites is Miracle on 34th Street, the 1947 version, although as my kids are quick to point out my all time favorite is the Muppet's Christmas Carol. That gives you some idea of my literary and cultural sophistication!
Anyway, the story unfolds with Doris Walker who is trying to organize the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade when her "Kris Kringle" (the reader should be aware that Kris Kringle is a metaphor for the Christ Child and faith in general) turns up drunk and a serious disappointment. We've all be there from time to time.
Then out of no where come another Kris Kringle who is perfect for the job, so much so that Doris hires him for the Macy's Kris Kringle to bring shoppers to the store. Just think about how much money they will bring to the store with this guy! But this is no ordinary Kringle, and Doris and Macy's gets more than they bargained for!
Kris turns the store on it's head when he puts people ahead of profits and advises people to look for what they want at other stores if they have better products or a lower price. His manners and his resolve that he is the one and the only Kris Kingle lands him in a mental hospital and on trial for sanity. The parallels to Jesus are striking. Here are a few quotes to seal the deal...
Kris Kringle: You see, Mrs. Walker, this is quite an opportunity for me. For the past 50 years or so I've been getting more and more worried about Christmas. Seems we're all so busy trying to beat the other fellow in making things go faster and look shinier and cost less that Christmas and I are sort of getting lost in the shuffle.
Doris quarrels with Fred Gailey when he quits his job at a prestigious law firm to defend Kris against charges of insanity. Doris calls his resignation an "idealistic binge" over some "lovely intangibles". He replies that one day she might discover that "intangibles" are the only worthwhile things.
Fred Gailey: Look Doris, someday you're going to find that your way of facing this realistic world just doesn't work. And when you do, don't overlook those lovely intangibles. You'll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile.
Fred Gailey: Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles.
Kris Kringle: Oh, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind... and that's what's been changing. That's why I'm glad I'm here, maybe I can do something about it.
Sermon Audio: The Miracle of Christmas 12.24.13E
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