It's a Wonderful Life
When is the last time you watched It’s a Wonderful Life uninterrupted? Is it one of your annual Christmas rituals? Have you ever wondered why it is considered a Christmas classic when it is relevant all year long?
These questions were floating through my mind as I watched It’s a Wonderful Life all the way through for the first time. Of course I had seen bits and pieces of the 1946 classic in the past, but snuggled on the sofa recently, I didn’t miss a scene.
As most everyone knows, the show set in Bedford Falls takes you through the life of one man who was going through a tough time and wished that he had never been born. Clarence, the angel who is trying to earn his wings, takes George Bailey on a preview of what would have happened to people and his hometown if he had never lived.
George had always been a selfless man, who stood up for what was right, looked out for the best interests of others and even sacrificed his own dreams for the sake of others. When the show opens we hear the prayers of people all over town being offered up for the character.
As the story progresses, we see George save his brother’s life, who would in turn become a war hero. He also prevents a poisoning by the local pharmacist, allows townspeople to purchase homes and rescues the Savings and Loan during the Depression. In general his life touched many and made other people and his whole town a better place.
In the end George realizes that his life was important when Clarence says these things to him:
- “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?”
- "You've been given a great gift, George--a chance to see what the world would be like without you.”
- "You see George; you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?"
When George returns home, he finds out that the entire town had collected money to help him out of his predicament and he is indeed “the richest man in town” because of the friends he had helped during his lifetime.
Have you stopped to examine your life and determine what difference you have made in the lives of those around you? Have you helped others? Have you been an encouragement? How has your life touched those around you for good? Are you “rich” in friends? What do you need to do differently in the coming year to have a positive effect on others? Can you honestly say that your life has been a wonderful life? If not, what will you do to ensure a change?
One life can affect others in tremendous ways even though we may not realize it this side of heaven, so keep on pursuing the acts of goodness and kindness, knowing that God is in control of the outcome.
Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
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