Advent Parable Movie: "Home Alone"

Written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone made its debut in November 1990. Kevin McCallister, the main character, is accidently left at home alone when his family leaves for a holiday trip to Paris. The story takes an alarming, but humorous, turn when two burglars attempt to rob the McCallister home. Through a series of creative tactics and traps, Kevin is able to thwart their efforts at every turn.

At the time the movie debuted, my daughter was not quite 2 years old and I couldn’t imagine ever forgetting her, no matter how frenzied the moment. Just the thought would send any responsible parent into a panic! The movie is about that and so much more as it subtly weaves thoughts on loneliness, solitude, reconciliation, and redemption into the story. Though surrounded by family, Kevin feels misunderstood and disconnected. He wishes to be left alone and that his family would disappear. When his wish comes true, he initially relishes the moment.

In his solitude, as the quiet settles in and his thoughts begin to slow down, Kevin impulsively sets out to find comfort and connection. He meets Mr. Marley, an older neighbor with a reputation for being less than welcoming. The two find themselves in church where Mr. Marley reassures Kevin that church is the, “place to be if you are feeling bad for yourself.” He goes on to share the story of his estranged son and family with Kevin who offers words of encouragement and reconciliation.

Kevin’s family eventually returns when they realize their oversight. There is a heartfelt reunion concluding with gifts and celebration. Kevin wonders over to a window alone. In the midst of the noise and activity, he experiences another moment of solitude as he looks out the window and sees Mr. Marley hugging his son and welcoming him home. Kevin smiles as he becomes aware that the elder neighbor must have acted on his suggestion to call his son in an effort to restore the relationship. Mr. Marley would no longer be alone.

Loneliness can be felt anywhere, in a crowd or alone, but solitude is the place where everything falls away until all that is left is the individual and God. The world around us goes quiet and our lives slow down. We become more aware of self and of God with us filling the void within with all the gifts of God’s presence. In these days of safe-distancing and sheltering at home, we are comforted by an awareness that we are never truly alone. Are there family members, friends, or neighbors who could use a word of encouragement, a card, note, email, or text? How might you share the gift of God’s presence with us as we wait and watch for the coming Christ child?

Image by Pixabay