Santa Knew the Power of Words
By Barbara Fought
I was cooking soup for lunch on a windy December day and thought some Christmas music would set the scene. I turned on Y-94 in Syracuse and the song playing was “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
I’ve sung the song for years but as I was singing along, I heard the lyrics in a new way. I had always focused on the reindeer in the song. But this time Santa’s role came to the forefront of my mind.
You know all the story – the other reindeer laughed at Rudolph and called him names because of his big bright nose. Most of us can remember a time that happened. Words can really hurt.
But words can also heal. In his book “Change Agent” Nelson talks about the power of words. In this song, Santa uses the power of words to heal.
Santa asks, “Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” Santa saw Rudolph’s gift – the big bright red nose could light the way if Rudolph was right up front. Santa affirmed Rudolph’ special gifts. Santa helped Rudolph see who he could be — a leader. And then the other reindeer saw Rudolph in a new light and “shouted out with glee.” .
Santa sure was a change agent in this song – using words to help Rudolph see the reindeer’s own gifts and talents.