IF YOU ARE like me, you get excited about Christmas. I love so many things about Christmas; the lights, the music, the food, the family gatherings, and of course the wonderful Christmas movies.
Many years ago as a young father, the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” became one of my favorites.
In this 1947 film, James Stewart played George Bailey. He always had a dream of traveling the world. Life happened and he never got to live his dreams.
One day, he found himself as a young father running a struggling business. This is something I can relate to and it endeared me to George Bailey’s character.
As Christmas approached, George Bailey could only see what was wrong in his life. The future seemed immensely bleak.
He thought that it would have been better if he had never been born. Then he was given the remarkable opportunity to see what life would have been like for all the people he loved if he had not been born.
He saw the impact of his life on others. That experience changed his paradigm.
He was no longer focused on his problems but realized that because of those people whom he loved, he had a pretty wonderful life.
His struggling company didn’t change. His run-down house didn’t change. His old worn-out clothes didn’t change. He had simply changed his attitude.
His eyes were opened to the favors he had been given and the incredible blessing he was to other people.
It’s so easy to think about our trials, and frankly, it can be quite depressing. When we turn outward and focus on helping others, we can make someone’s day a little brighter, and miraculously that seems to lighten our own burdens.
Later in life, James Stewart took on another role as Mr. Krueger in another favorite Christmas film, “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas,” which was released in 1980. Mr. Krueger lived alone with his cat in a basement apartment. He often daydreamed.
During Christmastime, to his delight, some neighbors came caroling to his door and was the highlight of his lonesome Christmas.
Christmas is the time to love one another.
It’s a time when we think of the neighbor down the street who might be alone through the holidays.
It’s a time to mend disagreements and hurt feelings and move past them.
It’s a time to show love to those who mean the most to us.
It’s a time to remember Jesus Christ.
Like George Bailey, who forgot how much he meant to others, we sometimes forget how much we mean to God. And like those who were kind to Mr. Krueger, we are commanded to love God and love our neighbor. Jesus Christ exemplified these two commandments.
God loves us. He sent His Son to be our Savior. Jesus Christ was born of Mary in Bethlehem. He was placed in a manger. A new star shined in the sky as a sign that He, the Son of God, was born.
His life and ministry were one of charity, love, service and sacrifice. He paid the price for our sins, was crucified, and overcame death through Resurrection.
When we share our light and goodness at Christmas, we are a reflection of His light and goodness.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17).
Hark! The herald angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King.
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies.
With angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King.
May God bless you as you bless others.
Merry Christmas!
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Bishop Jason Bringhurst is the leader of the Mount Pleasant Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port Angeles. His email is jasonbring@gmail.com.
