Posted on 12/15/2018 7:50:27 AM PST by Salvation
The John Lewis Christmas commercial shown below has a surprise ending. We are led through a traditional story line about a child who can’t wait for Christmas, but there’s a twist at the end. You may wish to watch the ad before continuing, lest my comments ruin the surprise.
As I watched the commercial, I was first reminded of these Scripture passages: It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:34), and God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).
There is something more than a cheerful giver illustrated in this ad, though. Indeed, the young boy is an urgent giver, one who cannot wait to give the gift he has to offer. The hours and days creep by. When will he finally be able to give his gift? Finally, the day arrives, finally!
This seemed strangely familiar to me, that it was speaking to a biblical theme. Then it hit me. Yes! This was Jesus on His final journey to Jerusalem, urgent and eager to give us the gift of our salvation, to snatch us from the kingdom of darkness and translate us to the kingdom of light. Scripture has this to say about this almost impatient desire in Him:
Scripture says that as Jesus’ apostles followed Him up the road to Jerusalem for His final journey, they were “amazed and afraid” (cf Mk 10:32). Fearful of Jesus’ predictions of His own death, the disciples protested, But Rabbi … a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going there? (John 11:8) Finally, seeing Jesus’ determination, Thomas (likely in exasperation) said, Let us also go, that we may die with him (John 11:16).
Yes, Jesus set His face like flint as He journeyed toward Jerusalem, eager to give the gift of salvation. What distress, what impatience until He must have felt until He could give that gift! Resolutely, He went forth with fervor.
Think about these things as you watch this Christmas commercial.
Monsignor Pope Ping!
Thanks for such a beautiful catch.
A blessed Christmas to you and yours.
I would disagree that this was an exasperation. I think rather than Thomas is the "warrior" among the disciples, and the warrior always goes into battle expecting to die; otherwise s/he is too concerned with staying alive to be able to overcome the enemy. But then, my view of Thomas as the warrior-archetype is less common than the usual "doubting Thomas."
Thank you!
Title should be:
Jesus’ Urgency to Save Us, as Seen in a Christmas Commercial
Yet Roman Catholicism teaches they must work for their salvation....if you're working for it it isn't a gift.
It’s a tearjerker! Love it!
Thank you.
The reward is in the giving.
Love the little video.
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