Christmas’s True Meaning Part 2: Kevin McCallister

In the second of three articles on the true meaning of Christmas, I am going to share the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of a Christmas classic’s protagonist. In honor of the film’s 35th theatrical anniversary, let’s take a look at the point of view of Kevin McCallister of Home Alone. Kevin teaches us to look for hope in unlikely places and people, and that we are never alone.

Kevin, an eight-year-old child, always gets himself into trouble. Before his family departed for France, he wished his family would disappear. The next morning, Kevin awoke to a home that was abandoned, as he was the only one there. It becomes a period of isolation and loneliness over time.

At first, he enjoys it. Then, as time went on, he got lonely. Over time, he befriends a neighbor who has family issues. Marley, a man who was subject to rumors, befriends Kevin. Kevin would overcome the fear of knowing Marley. After being scared of his presence on two initial encounters, he confides in him while attending a choir rehearsal in church.

When two burglars terrorize his neighborhood, Kevin sought refuge in an unlikely place to escape them following him, a church. Yes, even an eight-year-old who was forgotten by his family managed to attend Mass (I digress).  As Kevin defended his house from them on Christmas Eve, he had help from Marley, who intervened before the police arrived to arrest the wet bandits.

Kevin teaches us about how we yearn for God. His visit to church shows how his soul’s search for fulfillment goes beyond the present world.

The core message of the movie is forgiveness. Earlier in the film, Kevin wished to never see his family again. It took a tearful reunion with his mom, which was followed by a surprise return of all his family members during a blizzard. Through forgiveness, all our brokenness is healed.

To read about the true meaning of Christmas from the perspective of George Bailey, click here.