Island of Misfit Toys

(Make sure you pause the "music" before playing the video)

Have you ever felt like you belonged on the Island of Misfit Toys? You know... from the old Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer movie, where the toys that didn’t fit the mold got sent to. Whether you’re different than the “cool” people at school, or you’re not quite like the people at work... or even the black sheep of your family. Hopefully you don’t, but most of you probably know what I’m talking about. You have felt alone, like no one knows or cares who you are.  That is what the devil would like you to think, and he is the king of lies.

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!” (John 8:42-45 emphasis mine)

But if that is a Lie then what is the Truth? The truth is that we ALL belong to God and therefore we all belong! Notice that the night Jesus was born, also came Great Joy for ALL PEOPLE.

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”(Luke 2:4-12 emphasis mine)

There is a place where each of us belong. It is in the only place worth being, in the body of Christ. We belong in His “crew”... with the “cool people”. The ones who “really know what’s going on”. Each of us deserves to find a Church, which IS that body of Christ, where we can be who we are and be loved exactly where we are. If you don’t have that love in the body of Christ, take the time, find it...it’s worth it. It is one of the only things Worth doing.

Reflection Question: Do you belong to the “cool people”?