Wisdom Wednesday: The Wisdom in “It’s A Wonderful Life”
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Each year,our family enjoys watching the Christmas classic movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie was produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on a 1943 short story “The Greatest Gift” written by Philip Van Doren Sterns. Loosely inspired by the visiting angels of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, the story brings a visiting guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, to earth on Christmas eve to give a gift to George Bailey, a desperate man contemplating suicide. The “gift” is the opportunity to see the effect his life has had on so many others’ lives, by showing him what his hometown, and the people in it would look life had he not existed. At one point, Clarence asks George, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
While the film does not have distinctly Christian theme per se, the film does explore an important Biblical topic about the effect of our life on those around us. And the movie certainly supports the importance of living our life for Christ with those around us.
Consider just a few of ways the Bible supports the theme of this movie:
- A Light to Others–As Jesus was the light to reveal the truth of redemption, we are called to be alight to those around us. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
- A Source of Love for Others– Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)
- A Comfort to Others– We are to: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
- An Encouragement to Others – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
- A Servant to Others – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
George Bailey demonstrated the self-sacrifice of his dreams to help others in his hometown, and he felt he had failed in life, Clarence came to give him the gift to see his sacrifice was not a failure, but a demonstration of love, comfort, encouragement and service to others.
Let us be a light to the world by sharing God’s love and redemption in the Gospel message, as well as providing love, comfort, encouragement and service to others. Yes, In Christ, it is a Wonderful Life!