It’s a Wonderful Life!

Yesterday, we started a new Christmas tradition at our home. It’s actually a mixture of old and new since we are now empty nesters. First, we held our first annual office party mixed with giving presents to our children and new grand baby. We had a grand time! After folks headed home to start their own celebrations, we decide to watch a few old holiday movies; Albert Finney’s ‘Scrooge’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (first time I’ve ever watched the entire movie) and ‘White Christmas’.

As the pages of George Bailey’s life unfolded in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, I was struck with the significance of the birth of our Savior and what my life would have been like had He not been born. I rolodex through my own history as we watched and realized the gift out Father gave me in redemption through Jesus. What a different life I would have had without the birth of Jesus. There would be no family to have an empty nest from, no business and no ministry.

I think about the loss of all I’ve known the last 15 years. The people the Lord used to touched us and in turn, those we’ve touched. Just like the reality George Bailey experienced when his life’s impact was erased from those around him, I understood what my life would have been like had Jesus never been born. It was a sobering reality.

Traditionally the holiday’s are a time for resting, renewing and celebration for our family as we remember the birth of Christ. This year, the personal impact of His birth has become a reality I can not, nor wish to escape. I am eternally grateful for our Fathers love and gift of Jesus. From this day forward, each time I watch, read about or hear someone speak about ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, I will be reminded of the birth of the Christ and His impact on my life.

Luke 2:8-11 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Blessings