Since its release in 2003, the film Elf has become a Christmas movie classic. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised as an elf by elves in the North Pole after sneaking into Santa's sack one Christmas Eve many years ago.

As an elf, Buddy has to adhere to The Code of the Elves, which states:

1. Treat every day like Christmas.

2. There's room for everyone on the nice list.

3. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

I think we can put a wonderful spiritual spin and theological twist on The Code of Elves for this Christmas season and throughout the whole year.

Treat Every Day Like Christmas
Christmas, as you know, is the yearly Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a time for giving, serving and loving. It's a time to praise and worship God for the Word, Jesus Christ. “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message).

The Word becoming “flesh and blood” refers to the incarnation. The writers of Salvation Story define incarnation as “the act of becoming flesh, as God took on full humanity for our salvation and became a man in Jesus of Nazareth” (Salvation Story, 147). Before he could be a man, Jesus was born as a baby. He was “wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). We celebrate this birth at Christmas. Let's remember the incarnation, which leads to salvation, every day. Let's treat every day like Christmas.

There's Room for Everyone on the Nice List
When an angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus, the angel said: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).

The good news of great joy is the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, the provider of salvation. This good news of great joy is for everyone; every child, woman, and man on the face of the earth. Every person has the chance to be saved by Jesus Christ. There's room for everyone in the book of life. There's room for everyone on the nice list.

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear
I love the lyrics of Christmas hymns and Christmas carols. They're full of references to Scripture and theological truths. Singing these songs is an amazing way to tell the Christmas story and spread Christmas cheer. The lyrics of these songs contain a promise and power that is unleashed when sung or read aloud. The words touch people's hearts and turn their thoughts towards Jesus Christ.

One of the best Christmas hymns is O Little Town of Bethlehem. Phillips Brooks' lyrics are beautiful. The third verse reads:

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his Heaven
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing, written by Charles Wesley, ecstatically announces the birth of Christ. “Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the new-born King. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

Singing Christmas carols and Christmas hymns is a great way to honour and celebrate Christmas and to tell the Christmas story. As Buddy the Elf tells us, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Be a Buddy and remember the Code of Elves this Christmas season and throughout the new year.

Photo: © New Line Productions.

Captain Mark Braye and his wife, Nancy, are the officers/pastors of The Salvation Army Tri-Town Community Church in Temiskaming Shores, Ont. They have two children, Hannah and Micah. The four of them love to play and watch Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and The Wiggles.