It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s Christmas time! Still not very winter-y these days, but with my speakers locked on 96.5 KOIT, my windshield sometimes icy in the mornings, and the large crowds at Target (and elsewhere) - it’s definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
It’s a busy time for all, so I’ll keep it short. Listen up: YOU ARE A BLESSING. THE EARTH JUST WOULDN’T SPIN THE SAME WITHOUT YOU (it’s Christmas time, allow me to indulge you).
In “It’s A Wonderful Life”; Clarence, an angel sent down to help a distressed George Bailey, tells him, “Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole.”
Right away this reminded me of the action movie, “Wanted”.
“WHAT?!” you say? But stay with me. In “Wanted”, there is a league of super assassins who live by the motto, “Kill one, save a thousand”. But I think Jesus and his league of super guardians say, “Give LIFE to one, BLESS a thousand” (or more. It’s up to us, I suppose). These two very different films explore the same idea - the ripple effect of one life.
Just by being born you have blessed someone. Your ripple begins.
The most important birth, the most important ripple, is what we celebrate this time of year: the birth of Jesus Christ. One life that truly blessed - and keeps on blessing, as He still lives today. Think of His ripple effect.
The ripple effect of one life…
Though our ripple will never compare to that of Jesus; you’ve changed many people’s histories. You’re embedded in the memory of many. As small and unimportant as we everyday folk may feel, there’s someone out there that holds you in the highest esteem. And they’ll never forget you. Hard to believe, but think about it - we know who has blessed us. We remember those who have helped us out in a time of need. Surely, there’s someone out there that remembers you in that same way.
Just as in “It’s A Wonderful Life”, what would be different if you were never born at all? What if there WAS no you? Look around you and take inventory of your contributions. Go ahead! Think of the times that people have thanked you and appreciated what you did. What if you weren’t there? Would that person still have had groceries? Would that person still have had a house? Would that person still be with their family? Would that person still be alive? Would that person still have a job? Would that person still have the hope and joy that they have today?
Let’s be thankful for the people in our lives. Let’s be thankful that they are/were there to keep us moving forward, instead of leaving an awful hole.
And as you’re remembering them, keep in mind that someone’s remembering you.
It’s a wonderful life. You’re a wonderful life.
Merry Christmas and God Bless.
- Eli
