Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - A Children's Story

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:

The very thing that makes you different may be the very thing that makes you special.
Never hide your light to please others; let it shine to guide the way. When you use your gift to help others, it becomes a blessing to the world. Kindness, courage, and confidence glow brighter than any light in the sky. God gives each of us something unique to share, and when we use it with love, we change lives. Those who mock what they do not understand often come to admire what they once ignored.

Long ago at the North Pole, where the snow sparkled like sugar and the stars twinkled like silver bells, lived a young reindeer named Rudolph.

Rudolph was cheerful, kind, and full of curiosity. But unlike the other reindeer, he was born with something no one else had, a bright, glowing red nose.

When he was very small, his parents did not think much of it. “It is unusual,” his father said, “but perhaps it will fade.” Yet as Rudolph grew, the glow only became stronger.

By the time he joined the reindeer games, his nose shone so brightly that everyone noticed.

“Look at Rudolph’s nose,” one laughed.
“It looks like a traffic light,” said another.
“Better stay behind him, or you will go blind,” joked a third.

Rudolph tried to laugh with them, but inside he felt embarrassed. He began to hang his head low and tried to hide his glow under a scarf.

That night, his mother whispered softly, “Rudolph, your nose is beautiful. Someday it will make a difference.”

Rudolph was not sure he believed her.

Then came Christmas Eve, the busiest and most important night of the year. The elves were loading gifts, Santa was checking his list, and the reindeer were getting ready to fly. Outside, a heavy fog rolled in, thicker than whipped cream and as blinding as a snowstorm.

Santa frowned as he looked into the white mist. “I cannot see a thing,” he said. “If we fly into this fog, I will never find my way.”

The reindeer shuffled nervously. The elves worried. For the first time in history, Christmas deliveries might not happen.

Then Santa noticed a faint red glow coming from behind the stables. “What is that light?” he asked.

Out stepped Rudolph, his nose shining like a lantern.

“Why, it is Rudolph,” Santa exclaimed. “Your nose cuts right through the fog.”

Rudolph blinked shyly. “I suppose it does, sir.”

Santa’s eyes twinkled. “Rudolph, would you guide my sleigh tonight?”

The other reindeer gasped. “Rudolph? Lead the sleigh?”

But Santa nodded. “He has exactly what we need.”

Rudolph hesitated, remembering all the teasing, but then his mother’s words echoed in his heart. Someday it will make a difference.

He lifted his head proudly. “Yes, Santa. I would be honored.”

The elves cheered as Rudolph took his place at the front of the sleigh. Santa gave the command:

“On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen,
On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen.
Do not lose sight through this foggy night,
For Rudolph will guide us with his nose so bright.”

Through the swirling fog they flew, Rudolph’s red light shining steady and true. Across rooftops and chimneys, they soared, his glowing nose lighting the path wherever they went.

When they returned home at dawn, the North Pole was buzzing with joy. Santa beamed. “You did it, Rudolph. You saved Christmas.”

The other reindeer gathered around, their heads bowed in admiration. “We are sorry, Rudolph,” said Donner. “We teased you for what made you special.”

Rudolph smiled kindly. “That is all right. We all have something that makes us shine.”

From that Christmas on, Rudolph led Santa’s sleigh every year, reminding the world that being different is not something to hide. It is something to celebrate.

Poem

A light once teased, now shining bright,
Turned darkest storm into Christmas night.
When others doubted what they would see,
Rudolph showed what faith can be.
For those who glow from deep inside,
Their light was never meant to hide.
Each heart, each gift, both near and far,
Can shine for God just as you are.

Questions for Thought

1.     Why did the other reindeer laugh at Rudolph at first?

2.     What happened to show that Rudolph’s difference was a gift?

3.     What makes you special, and how can you use it to help others?