Rev. Leo Booth
Unity minister, published author and conference speaker

During the holidays I find myself sitting at my desk surrounded by holiday paraphernalia; cards, wrapped gifts, chocolates…no cheese! During this time I am saying, like you, ‘Happy Holidays’ to almost everyone that I meet. When I know for certain the person appreciates a ‘Joyous Christmas’ then I get specific. As we all celebrate the holiday season I’m convinced there is a spiritual foundation during the holidays that has led to the connection to a holy-day.

So what do I want to say to you? Perhaps something that will help you throughout year and perhaps discover a spiritual message that will specifically help you on your journey would be helpful. And the story of Rudolf came to mind!

We all know the story. He had a red nose. Other reindeers made fun of his nose. Shame. Guilt. And then something happened. And it is “what happened” that is the focus here.

As you recall, on a foggy Christmas Eve Santa asked Rudolf a question: Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight? In other words, how can we use your bright light (red) nose? How can we take advantage of what appears to be a fault, a challenge, nay, a source of disfigurement and turn it into a positive? This is the Rudolf question.

As many of you know I’ve explored for years the topic of spirituality as being the key ingredient for recovery, healing, transformation… success. I’ve believed for years that a positive attitude is essential in creating success; indeed, my definition of spirituality is becoming a positive and creative human being.

How does this connect to the Rudolf question? Well, we need to get involved. We need to do something to initiate change. Transformation involves our willingness to look at the situation differently; in this case, Rudolf’s nose. But it could be a marriage, unemployment, alcoholism, fear issues, investments… the list is endless.

Santa is asking Rudolf to move, step forward, come from the back, to think about his nose differently. And only Rudolf can answer this question. I suppose Rudolf could have said, “No. I’m staying where I am.”

Many people will knowingly or unknowingly refuse Santa’s request. They will stay at the back. Hide their light. Not risk embarrassment. Stay drunk!

But more will initiate the change. This year will be, for them, the ‘happening’ year.

This for me is the Rudolf question, and although it makes sense to talk about it in December, it really is the eternal question throughout the year. And we are willing to co-operate with spirit in creating our lives on a daily basis. And everything is open for grabs: our health, relationships, employment, investments and discovering the serenity of being at peace with ourselves. This truly is the successful life.

On a personal level, when I think of the Rudolf story, I imagine a joyous glint appear in Rudolf’s eye when he responds to Santa’s question: I can do this!

The rest is history.