For many Gen X and Millennials, Christmas isn’t Christmas without “Home Alone,” arguably one of the best holiday movies of a generation (or two). We’ve seen it dozens of times, still marveling at the level of insults and rebellion that would have gotten Black kids in 1990 knocked into the middle of next week. Kevin McCallister, a bad but lovable and resourceful 8-year-old who was accidentally left behind at Christmas when his family went to Paris, has become a timeless staple of the holiday season that’s still funny 35 years later.
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And now a theory is adding a wild layer to it all: “Home Alone” is not just a story about Christmas time, but a legit Christmas movie about the love of Christ. That’s right—Kevin, who was “left behind,” faced trials and ultimately found redemption, may have been having a spiritual experience. What if “Home Alone” delivered a much more profound holiday message through the symbolism of Old Man Marley?
Recently, Podcaster and Pastor Josh Howerton discussed his discovery of the hidden Christian narrative. We’re breaking down the theory here.
Old Man Marley is the Salt of the Earth
When Kevin, Buzz and Rod are watching the quiet, misunderstood neighbor, Old Man Marley, through the window, he’s salting his driveway. If you’re familiar with Matthew 5:13, you’ll remember that Jesus told his followers during His Sermon on the Mount, “You are the salt of the earth.” Since salt enhances flavor, Christians interpret this scripture as an instruction to add flavor to the world.
Old Man Marley’s Hand is Pierced
When Kevin encounters the scary Old Man Marley at the pharmacy, we see his wounded hand wrapped in a roller bandage. Blood stains both the palm and the back, implying the wound goes straight through. The wound is never explained, but it can be linked to Christ’s wounds, representing brokenness, sacrifice and misunderstood goodness.
Old Man Marley’s Hand Represents Healing
In the church scene with “Fall on Your Knees” playing in the background, Kevin is terrified when he sees Old Man Marley approach him, but they have a heartfelt conversation and shake hands at the end of it. The camera zooms in, and the pierced, bloody bandage is now replaced by an adhesive bandage, mirroring spiritual restoration and redemption.
Old Man Marley Becomes Kevin’s Savior
When Kevin, who has outsmarted the burglars throughout the movie, finally gets caught, Old Man Marley shows up unnoticed, wielding the shovel he used to salt his driveway. With an act of divine intervention, he uses the shovel to knock Harry and Marv out cold. He tells Kevin, “Come on. Let’s get you home.”
The Prodigal Son Parallel
In the church, Old Man Marley reveals to Kevin that he’s estranged from his son and wants to repair their relationship, but he doesn’t know how. It is an explicit connection to the biblical parable of the prodigal son.
Old Man Marley’s Hand Symbolizes Restoration
Kevin looks through his window with delight as snow falls, watching Old Man Marley reunite with his son, who has returned with his family and is welcomed into his father’s house, completing the prodigal son parable. In a final, full-circle moment, Marley catches Kevin’s eye and waves. With both hands visible, there are no signs of the once-bloody wound, symbolizing restoration after years of estrangement and God’s healing power.
In an update, Howerton shared that one source even alleged to have the original movie script, including details on what was supposed to happen in the movie.
So there you have it. A fresh look at the Christmas spirit in a beloved holiday movie that may have very well gone beyond a source of laughter and nostalgia, to quietly weave in a deeper message.
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