The Lord of the Rings is such an appealing literary work because like most classics, its message remains relevant today. I think the whole point of all the battles, quests and victories that span 12 hours of the movies and three novels is summarized in this short anecdote delivered by Sam near the end of the second movie:
Sam: "It's like in the great stories Mr. Frodo; the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were and sometimes you didn't want to know the end because how can the end be happy, how can the world go back to the way it was, when so much bad had happened. But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow, even darkness must pass; a new day will come and when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something even if you were too small to understand why. I think Mr. Frodo I do understand. I know now folk in those stories had lots of chances to turn back only they didn't. They kept going because they were holding on to something..."
Frodo:
"What are we holding on to Sam?"
Sam: "That there is some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for..."
Everyone in the fellowship had their own roles to play but I think the most beautiful one is that of Sam. Even if he perhaps killed the least number of orcs, his role was vital to the quest. He kept hope alive in the moments when darkness seemed to be the only thing they were getting themselves into.
And today, that message of hope remains. Though our battles are not against orcs or balrogs or the monsters of old, we are at war with the Saurons within us, keeping us from living the life we ought to live - a life of love, holiness and righteousness. We are at war with the Mordor of this world, covering society in the darkness of injustice and oppression. These are the wars we must fight even in the face of insurmountable obstacles. And in the end, we know the darkness will pass because we are holding on to the Source of Light and Goodness Himself.
Hope is one of the best gifts God gives us especially this Christmas season because it lends us the strength to keep on fighting for God.
