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Hermey’s You-Niqueness

By Selma Komisky

It’s fun and out of the ordinary to be able to celebrate Christmas in the middle of the heat of summer (lol). But come to think of it, lots of things this year have run that way! So, this should fit in just fine.

Hermey the Elf came to my mind. In case you’re not familiar with this beloved character, he is from the 60s’ stop-motion Christmas classic, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” One of my personal favs.

You see, Rudolph’s not the only unique one. Hermey is one of Santa’s special elves. What struck me about this this little golden-haired guy is that he’s unhappy making toys and, actually, has a passion for dental health and longs to be a dentist. You might say, “That’s a pretty cool place to work. Why would he want to give that gig up and be a dentist?”

That’s exactly what the head elf had to say in one scene when he notices that Hermey is lagging behind on his quota of toys. He was actually bored painting the toys to be delivered that Christmas. However, it’s Hermey’s boldness that is to be admired. He uses his ability to voice what he doesn’t like and where his interests actually lie. Most of us tend to hold things in and just do the task even if it’s something we’re not meant to do. We remain unhappy. Yet, when God gives us special abilities, He wants us to use them and enjoy what we do.

The head elf yells at Hermey for sharing his dreams and shames the little elf in front of the rest of his teammates. The room is then filled with laughter and whispers under their breath. But Hermey had tough skin and didn’t allow others’ opinions to rule him. He reiterates, “Someday, I want to be a dentist. We need one up here! It’s so fascinating. You have no idea – molars, bi-cuspids and incisors!” The head elf yells harshly at him, “You’re an elf and elves make toys – now get to work!” He then threatens him by adding, “If you don’t, you’re fired!”

Sometimes we get “other- minded.” We get caught up with what their vision is for us to do or should be doing. God wants us to dream big and do amazing things that He called us to do.

Hermey ends up saying, “I’m just a misfit and I quit!”

Now, I am not saying it’s good to say, “I’m outta here!” Instead, ask God to show you His direction for your life and He will! I also want to add that not fitting in really means that you are unique.

Additionally, I think we can learn some things from Hermy’s individuality. He called it being INDEPENDENT. Hermey decides to go out on an adventure and Rudolph accompanies him.He walked in faith and when we do,it rubs off on others.

I think Hermey embraced who he was. He didn’t have to try to fit in to be accepted. It’s ok to be a misfit. Hermey was different. And beauty lies within our differences, right? There is only one of us!

Spiritually speaking, in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, it says, ^“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful” (MSG).

In the end, Hermey puts his dentistry to good use and comes in contact with an abominable snowman. He removes all his teeth so he won’t hurt others anymore. He also is able to help the head elf who has a tooth ache. Spoiler alert for the end, Hermey gets to stay at Santa’s workshop and open a dental office.

Hermy ventured out and had an opportunity to use his gifts and talents on his journey. Hermey came full circle and didn’t give up. This film shows that a being a misfit is not a negative, but a positive. In turn, God uses all of us and our diverse gifts to glorify Him! Don’t ever be ashamed of who YOU are or what God has called you to do in life. No one should be shamed for their differences. Be YOU-NIQUE!