Catholic Movies for Families: Elf can Teach us the Reason for the Season

Although Elf is one of our families favorite Christmas movies, it doesn’t scream the Reason for the Season: Jesus. No, it’s not a Christian movie, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show our children Catholic themes that are present.

This month’s Catholic Family Movie Night will draw Catholic themes from the beloved Christmas favorite: Elf.

The Reason for the Season: The Incarnation

Perhaps the most important truth of Christmas is the incarnation of God. God, because of his love for us, lowered himself to become man. Why would he do that? Watch this video if you want to know the answer to that.

Jesus, the Incarnation of God who became flesh, taught us many important things. He showed us the way we must go, he took upon himself all of our worries, sins, struggles, then died for our sins and resurrected it all.

Jesus took our bad and transformed it to good, took our death, transformed it to life. 

In a less profound way, Buddy the elf mirrors Jesus in the incarnation. In the beginning of the story, Buddy does not live in our world. Although fully man and human, Buddy leaves his world to come to earth to find his dad.

New York City, another world for Buddy, is a place of confusion, selfishness, and broken people. Yet Buddy is not deterred. He continues on his mission to find his father, spreading hope, peace, joy and love wherever he goes.

Buddy reminds people of the gift of the incarnation, the gift of presence, being there physically for others. Listening to them, spending time with them, as Jesus did with humankind. This points out the power of presence over presents.

Like Jesus, he takes on the struggles and confusion of his new world but does not let it defeat him. Buddy’s dad, Walter, for example, begins cynical, self-focused, and spiritually dulled, but Buddy’s persistent love slowly cracks his defenses. Through the gift of himself, Buddy the Elf saves his father and several others who were broken from selfishness, and reminds them of the beauty of hope and faith.

How are we called to be like Buddy the Elf?

• Buddy was brave and wasn’t afraid to go to new places in order to complete his mission. Although his mission was to find his dad, our mission is a little different.

What is our mission? (To go to heaven!)

• Buddy is a great example of being IN the world, but not OF the world. He is not typical. He is almost childlike. Buddy is selfless and kind and loves without expecting anything in return. 

How are you called to be kind and selfless?

• Buddy never lost his faith. Buddy knew Santa Claus was real because he met him. Likewise, those of us who have met Jesus in prayer should never waver in faith, no matter what those around us say. In fact, Buddy convinced others by his faith.

Are you called to inspire others' faith in Jesus?

Optional Snacks:

• Candy Cane Trail MixMix together:

  • Pretzels

  • Popcorn

  • Mini marshmallows

  • Crushed candy canes

  • Chocolate pieces

• Hot Cocoa Bar Make-your-own mugs with add-ins:

  • Peppermint whipped cream

  • Marshmallows

  • Cinnamon

  • Chocolate shavings

  • Pair with: gingerbread cookies or hot cocoa brownies.