December 25
It’s a Wonderful Life
For many years in our house, it wasn’t “Christmas” until Larry watched It’s a Wonderful Life, preferably in black and white. It’s a classic, with actors James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore, and a storyline that juxtaposes greed and sacrifice, as well as joy and despair, all set in the midst of Christmas 1945. As young Janie Bailey played “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” for the tenth time, her father George wrestled with suicide, and as his family prayed, a quirky guardian angel named Clarence Odbody appeared, sent to save George and to earn his own wings.
Seventy-five years later, we’ve traded the struggles of George Bailey for our own. Isolation, discouragement, financial worries, and the specter of COVID-19 surround us. Even as we worry, we seek out ways to celebrate the birth of a child who promised a steadfast hope to the world. As we worship in front of the computer screen, feast at lonely tables, or walk through the pristine snow, we sing to Janie’s halting notes, “Veiled in flesh the godhead see, hail the incarnate deity . . light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings . . . glory to the newborn King.”
Another song echoes as well, as Chris Rice prays for us today: “So wrap our injured flesh around you, breathe our air and walk our sod, rob our sin and make us holy, perfect Son of God, welcome to our world.” It’s Christmas, and both wonder and sorrow are our companions this day, as we cling to the promise of Emmanuel, God with us.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
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