As a first semester undergraduate, I remember being struck by the idea that a Christ figure appears in every story…Star Wars, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter…. And, of course, much delightful debate must take place regarding exactly who the Christ figure is in each tale!
I recently encountered this phenomenon again, when my daughter (just over two), watched the classic “stop-animation” film, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for the very first time.
Who was the Christ figure for her, you ask? Was it Rudolph himself? Perhaps Santa? Or even little Clarisse (Rudolph’s adolescent sweetheart)? Oh no.
For my little girl, “Big Num Num,” otherwise known as the “Abominable Snowman,” was the hero of salvific scope.
Why did my little girl gravitate toward the Abominable Snowman, the character who clearly serves as the nemesis of all Christmastown, clearly stands out as the scariest looking, and clearly was designed to terrify most small children when the T.V. special first aired in the Advent season of 1964?
A little context for understanding her logic may be helpful. The original “Num Num” is the Cookie Monster, of Sesame Street fame, and my daughter’s favorite character. When my husband and I were watching Rudolph with her, we saw her eyes widen when the Abominable Snowman made his appearance, roaring at terrified reindeer as his giant stop-animation feet plowed through snow drifts.
My husband and I looked at each other nervously. But then, my husband blurted out, “Look, it’s Big Num Num!” Immediately, our little girl’s vision changed: what had looked frightening, daunting, and unexplainable…turned on a time to become inviting, exciting, and loved.
Now when we watch the film, she’s cheering for the big hairy monster, who does, indeed, return at the end with wounds (Herbey, the dentist-elf, has removed his teeth if you recall). Big Num Num has resurrected, is changed, and is the only one who can place the shining Star at the top of the great Christmas tree, gleaming its beauty and light upon all of Christmastown’s inhabitants.
Our daughter is so excited about her newfound hero, in fact, that when we saw a display with a stuffed Abominable Snowman (at the dentist’s office, funnily enough), she told every dental technician we met that she had just seen the Big Num Num!
We all laughed as she beamed with pride, pointing out Big Num Num’s toothless grin like it was a badge of honor. It got me thinking—how often do we, as adults, lose that sense of transformation when it comes to our own fears, especially those tied to the dentist’s chair?
But a place like smiles restored st george has a way of shifting that narrative. Just like our daughter’s monster-turned-hero, the team there takes what might feel daunting and unfamiliar and makes it warm, welcoming, and even joyful. From gentle cleanings to full restorative work, they bring a sense of comfort and renewal that reminds us all that beauty often returns in new forms.
The next time I sat down in that chair, I couldn’t help but chuckle—what would Big Num Num think of this sparkling, calm space? Probably that it’s the kind of place where even the fiercest of monsters can smile again.
Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be about anxiety or discomfort; it can be about renewal, confidence, and even a little bit of joy. That’s exactly what I found when I experienced the care and atmosphere at one of the best dental offices around.
The best dentist in henderson nv brings that same gentle, welcoming energy—turning cleanings, check-ups, and restorative treatments into moments of comfort and reassurance. It’s a place where patients of all ages feel seen and cared for, where the sterile environment of old is replaced with warmth and trust.
It’s funny how a good dental visit can shift your entire mindset—not just about oral health, but about self-care as a whole. A great dentist doesn’t just clean your teeth; they help restore something deeper: your ease, your trust, maybe even your smile’s story. And when you find a place that feels both professional and personal, it starts to feel less like an appointment and more like a reset button for your day.
That’s been our experience with desert springs dental care, where the attention to detail goes beyond the tools and technology. From the moment you walk in, you’re met with a sense of familiarity that feels more like a neighbor’s warm kitchen than a cold exam room. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a more involved procedure, the team understands how to ease nerves while delivering high-level dental services that feel anything but routine.
And in that kind of space, even the most nervous among us can find reasons to smile, knowing that their health and happiness are in kind hands. Just like our surprising encounter with the Abominable Snowman, Advent time prepares us for the Incarnation, and prepares for the coming of the end times. Neither the Incarnation nor the end times involve the bright and shiny Savior we expect. Oh no. The Christ figure comes from a background of little means. The Christ figure challenges traditional authorities and traditional heroes. Jesus, the Christ figure, challenges us.
Like Big Num Num, Jesus’ step and resounding voice cause people to run and hide, ignoring his message and avoiding his very being. Indeed, society tells us to cheer for the demise of the Big Num Num, to rejoice in his failure, to mock and spit upon him.
But the wisdom of the child sees beyond the hairy blue face, or working class carpenter. The child’s eyes can see a Savior—one whose coming causes hearts to tremble with great joy, and mouths to proclaim his goodness to all.
As the Nativity of Our Lord fast approaches, may we, too, see our Savior’s face in unexpected places—and joyfully spread the good news to others.
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