Among the movies on constant repeat during the holiday season is one lovingly dubbed “the train one” a couple of years ago by my twins. Yes, The Polar Express is included in the Christmas cannon at our house and is on consistent repeat along with a few others. Based upon the beloved children’s book from my own childhood, one of my favorite parts is actually the song from the credits.
Written for the movie by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, Josh Groban recorded Believe as a part of the original soundtrack. In many ways, the lyrics trace their way through the book’s deeper meaning for all of us grownups who would no longer hear Santa’s sleigh bells. However, they even go a step further than that.
In the second verse of the song, there is a moment in the pre-chorus that refers to “when it seems that we have lost our way, we find ourselves again on Christmas Day.” Perhaps it is the true believer in me, but I honestly suspect that in spite of all the overwhelming emotions that can surround us during this season, all the ways we can feel so lost, even drowning in a sea of heartache, those feelings have more to do with loneliness than anything else.
What we want is to be found. To be remembered. To matter.
And I am convinced that everyone does to someone. Somewhere. Somehow. I honestly believe that. That is the magic of Santa. That is the real miracle of the Christ-child, too. But even here and now, there is some human living on this planet who cares.
I may not know who that is for you, but I do know that you are loved. More than you know. More than you can possibly imagine.
Even Before 