There’s Something About Baby Yoda

There is a new figure that has captured the hearts of people on social media. He has inspired countless memes and videos; he is all over the internet. This figure is none other than a character that has been deemed “Baby Yoda.” This adorable baby has inspired feelings of warmth and affection. Just looking at his picture makes it impossible not to go, “Awww.”

Warning – Spoilers Ahead!

Last month, the new streaming service Disney + was launched and with it came a number of new Disney content. One of the new shows that has been released is a Star Wars series called The Mandalorian. The show follows a Mandalorian bounty hunter who is looking for work. In the first episode, a well-paying patron known simply as “The Client” gives this Mandalorian bounty hunter a vague target to capture and bring back alive. He is given a tracking device, and the only other information the Mandalorian receives is that the target is 50 years old. At the end of the first episode, we find that the 50 year old target is actually a green baby with big ears – “Baby Yoda.” As the show progresses we learn that not all species in the Star Wars universe age the same way which explains why a baby can also be 50 years old. We also learn that this is not actually the beloved character Yoda as an infant. Instead, this is a different character that is simply of the same species as Yoda. The Mandalorian travels with the child in order to deliver him back to The Client. On the way, Baby Yoda wins the heart of the Mandalorian and our hearts as well. When the Mandalorian becomes injured after fighting off a monstrous creature, the “Baby Yoda” attempts to heal him. He does this even though, at this point, the Mandalorian is still his enemy. When it comes time to hand over the infant to The Client, the Mandalorian changes his mind at the last minute. He then vows to protect the child at all costs. 

Mando and “Baby Yoda”

As I think about this show, I can’t help but think of the story of Christmas. I’m reminded of King Herod who essentially offers a bounty on the baby Jesus. Herod is like The Client who desires to do harm to the child. He is threatened by Jesus and attempts to secure his position as king. The Mandalorian, much like the Wise Men, is tasked with tracking this infant, but in the end he realizes the importance and power of this child. The Mandalorian and the baby go into hiding, and the Mandalorian does everything in his power to keep the baby from harm. This reminds us of how Mary and Joseph traveled to Egypt in order to escape the clutches of King Herod. Although we do not know the fate of Baby Yoda, we do know that Jesus is ultimately victorious.

Jesus comes as this incredible child, and he captures our hearts. Jesus comes as this infant, and he changes the trajectory of our lives. Jesus is not “Baby Yoda.” Jesus is so much more. This Advent season we are invited to enter into the wonder and awe of a baby who is born in a manger. We are invited to prepare our hearts and minds for this Christmas as we welcome the Christ-child. We are invited to continue in this journey as we not only celebrate Christ’s birth, but we also celebrate his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. As we reflect on this season, I’m reminded of the hymn “What Child is this?”

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

How incredible, that a little baby would change the world forever. Thanks be to God.