It Really Is A Wonderful Life!

It’s a Wonderful Life is perhaps one of the most well-known Christmas movies. 

In the movie, we follow George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, a man who has given up his personal dreams to help others in his community and whose thoughts of suicide on Christmas Eve bring about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Clarence shows George all the lives he touched and what the world would be like if he had not existed.

George has experienced a lot in his life.  We see many times that George chooses to selflessly put others above himself.  However, George’s selfless acts go somewhat unnoticed and he finds himself facing trouble caused by a business competitor trying to take over George’s family business.

Feeling trapped and unappreciated, George is led to feelings of suicide on Christmas eve.  His guardian angel, Clarence, meets with George and begins to walk him through all the ways that he has helped others.  Clarence shows George just how much of an impact his life has had.

Clarence is able to get George to recognize all of the good that he has done, as well as, all of the good that he has.  George finally recognizes the blessings that he would leave behind and decides to stay with his family and friends.  He decides to face the trouble that he might face head on. Because of his selflessness, George is surprised when the townspeople gather together to pay “his” debt (which wasn’t even his to take on in the first place).

What is it that George ultimately felt that led him to keep living and return to his family?  Peace.  Peace in knowing that his life was never his own.  Peace in knowing that despite what he might face, he would still be loved and cared for. Peace in knowing that a life lived for others truly is a wonderful life.

You may be facing difficult circumstances this year. Whatever has caused you to be where you are: whether it is the actions of others, or your own, you might be struggling right now

What we can learn from George Bailey, and from the real Christmas story, is that we can have peace in the face of difficulties.

George realized that a life lived for others is the best way to live.  While he had to make hard sacrifices, it ended up being worth it to him, because he loved the people that he was sacrificing himself for.

When we look at the story of Jesus, we see the ultimate examples of sacrifice and service.

Mary sacrificed herself to bring baby Jesus into the world despite what other people might think.

Joseph sacrificed his pride and plans for his young family to trust God and take Mary as his wife

Jesus’ whole life was a sacrifice.  He is God and chose to live and die as a man, a death that was not meant for him.  He gave his life as a sacrifice to pay the price for our sins.

In John 14, Jesus teaches us:  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

He is the ultimate sacrifice and the God of all peace. Because of his life, death and resurrection, we have access to that peace. 

No matter what you are facing this season, the birth of Jesus offers you peace beyond what you can comprehend or imagine.

If you choose to follow Jesus’ example, and live for others, you will experience this peace.  You will be able to, like George Bailey, face your struggles head on, and bless others in the process.

When you do that…  it’s a wonderful life!