One of the first television broadcasts I remember seeing as a child was the Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) animated feature. This was a big deal for me because my family didn’t have a television. I was invited by a family friend into her home to watch – a special time with just her and me.

The other day I happened to catch the end of this year’s re-broadcast of that original show. Not only did the ending scenes bring up a warm memory from childhood, but they prompted an “aha” moment of realization: the core message of the plot of Rudolph could be taken as one of inclusion and integration.

The story begins in Santa’s stable with the birth of a young reindeer with a distinguishing characteristic: a glowing, red nose. Despite attempts to hide this difference while growing up, Rudolph is bullied and feels out of place. Eventually, he is so unhappy that he runs away from home, and after a few adventures, ends up on the “Island of Misfit Toys.” While those who are exiled to this island have created a community of belonging there, these “misfit” toys still long for the day when they might find a child who will love and accept them for who they are, just as Rudolph longs for acceptance, belonging and a place in Santa’s stable. As viewers, we are drawn in through our own desires for belonging, place, and purpose.

When Rudolph decides to return home to advocate for the plight of the “misfit” toys, his unique gift of a glowing, red nose becomes the solution to Santa’s fog problem, and Santa becomes the solution for inclusion. Each toy, as well as Rudolph with his nose so bright, is finally recognized as having value. Each one, along with Rudolph, is also integrated into a wider community where they can experience both a place and a purpose. It’s not lost on me that the one seen as different takes the lead to create a happy ending for everyone.

We often speak of celebrating one another’s gifts in L’Arche, and there is beauty and intention in our spaces of belonging. I would never want to give that up as the foundation of who we are. But what I noticed the other night was that while the “misfit” toys had a place of belonging on their own Island, their biggest hope was not to be separate from the world, but integrated into it, with place and purpose.

Friends, this is our work together. This holiday season and beyond, people in L’Arche with and without intellectual disabilities offer one another belonging, place, and purpose, which will make the world a better place for all. Thank you for being a part of it.

On behalf of the L’Arche USA National Team, I offer you our best wishes for a joy-filled and meaningful holiday season!

Laura Giddings
National Leader / Executive Director
L’Arche USA