THE SANTA CLAUSE (1994)

Directed by: John Pasquin
Written by: Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Starring: Tim Allen, Wendy Crewson, Judge Reinhold, Erick Lloyd
Rated: PG

About the film:
When Santa falls off the roof of a man who mistook him for a burglar, the homeowner is persuaded to don the red suit and complete the big guy’s rounds. What he didn’t know was that by agreeing, he is magically (and legally!) committed to being Santa Claus for the rest of his life.

Movie Quote:
“Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.”
Little Elf Judy (Paige Tamada) in The Santa Clause (1994)

Bible Quote:
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed…’”
John 20:29 (NIV)

Commentary:
We shouldn’t be too hard on “doubting Thomas.” After all, who is to say that we wouldn’t have acted similarly if we were in his position? Still, the incident is recorded in the Bible to teach us that our believing is not based upon visual proof.

Ever since Jesus of Nazareth first appeared on the scene, people have clamored to see signs, miracles and wonders. Believing something is easy when we are staring at the proof of its existence.

God needs not prove anything to us. It is we who must prove our willingness to accept from Him all that He desires for us. The “I’ll believe it when I see it” mentality almost ensures that we’ll never get to see spiritual realities manifested in the physical realm. It is our believing that activates the power of God. It is not, nor should it be, the other way around.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 112:40 (NIV)

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. If we are to believe what we cannot see, how are we to know that it is true?
2. What are some of the illustrations Jesus Christ used to teach his followers of the importance of believing?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com