New Christmas movies are released every year and we’re excited to add them to our Christmas movie “watch-list”. These movies usually come and go, but once in awhile one becomes a classic. Some of the best all-time favorite classics include The Santa Clause, Home Alone, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street. If we’re honest, we all have our own favorite Christmas classic that we just can’t wait to watch again and again.
However, there is one classic Christmas movie that continues to inspire us each holiday season. Frank Capra’s 1946 film, It’s a Wonderful Life, is full of valuable life lessons that remind viewers of the importance of family and friends and of keeping things in perspective. The movie’s protagonist, George Bailey, finds himself in the midst of a pity party and a depressive downward spiral. However, on Christmas Eve, he comes to realize just how wonderful his life truly is with the help of Clarence, his guardian angel.
As a Senior Pastor, we can have many of the same feelings as George: feelings of unworthiness, self pity, and failure. That list goes on, even amidst the holiday gatherings, festivities, and celebrations. There are a few lines from this movie that are very powerful when we experience these feelings of unworthiness, self pity, failure, and inadequacy.
Quotes from Clarence (The Angel):
- “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
- “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”
- “You see George, you really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it
- Would be to throw it away?”
Quotes from George:
- “I want to live again.”
- “Look, we’re still in business! We’ve still got two bucks left!”
- “Isn’t it wonderful? I’m going to jail!”
- “Dear Father in Heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and you can
- Hear me, show me the way.”
George had the opportunity to see what life would have been like if he had never been born. It was evident that his life was vital to those he had contact with. During this Christmas season, let George Bailey inspire you once again, and hold tight to these two verses:
John 1:9 “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Your life, your ministry, is vital to those you have contact with. We’re still in the business of giving hope and love to those around us this Christmas season!