It’s A Wonderful Life
A few evenings ago, as per my usual annual Christmas tradition, I curled up in the front of the television with my mug of hot chocolate in anticipation of getting lost in the make believe world of my favorite classic Christmas movie. It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my favorites and I watch it almost every .
George Bailey is the character that I most empathize with. Maybe it’s because, like me, he’s such a dreamer. George was always dreaming about traveling the world and doing great things. However, circumstances kept getting in the way of George accomplishing his dreams. Still, he always managed to do what he felt was the right thing even though it meant putting his dreams on hold. In spite of the disappointments George never lost his enthusiasm or his joyful spirit. Each time he thinks he’s going to get to do what he wants to do he is just as excited as before.
George never sat down and mourned the loss of his dreams he simply went on building a life for himself even though it wasn’t the life he’d originally dreamed of. Well except for that one Christmas Eve night when George’s life seem to come crashing down. After throwing a killer tantrum, hurting his family’s feelings and getting drunk the despondent George, sitting on a bar stool, prayed this prayer…
Dear Father, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and you can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way, oh God.”
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)
While George was busy deferring his dreams to help everyone else he was also touching lives in ways he couldn’t even imagine. On the night when he felt he’d reach the end of his rope the voices of the lives he touch began to cry out to God on his behalf…
“Help my son, George, tonight.”
“He never thinks about himself, God,that’s why he’s in trouble.”
“George is a good guy. Give him a break, God…”
“I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight…”
Enters Clarence, the wingless angel whose job it is to show George that his life really does matter, that he made a difference, he touched lives.
And slowly, with the help of Clarence, George begins to realize what a wonderful life he has. He realizes that although he’s not living the life he dreamed of he loves the life he’s living. He’s made a difference, he’s touched lives. He is not a failure. At the time he needed them most the people who George give up his dreams for came to his rescue.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” – Luke 2:10
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (KJV)
I’m so glad that during this wonderful time of year many years ago God gave the gift of His son to come to my rescue. Because of Him we don’t ever have to feel like a failure, or as if our lives doesn’t measure up to the dreams we had. Even if, like George Bailey, we are not living the life we dreamed about we can still say, because of Christ it is a wonderful life.
What is your favorite Christmas classic?
I love this movie too. The message is still important. God bless your holiday,Bernardime.
What a great reminder that we do make a difference, even if we don’t live the life we dreamed of.
I have to say that “A Christmas Carol” is my favorite (the original from the 30’s).
Thank you so much for theses words of reminder! I sometimes forget what a wonderful life I have.