David and I have watched (and owned) It’s a Wonderful Life many times over the years. However, this is the first year Caroline was interested in watching it. It really was the perfect time for her to view it given all that is going on in our country and the world. I’m thankful that she declined all those previous times we suggested it! Naturally, she loved it.
The movie had a significant impact on me a few different times in my life when I was feeling discouraged and less-than-useful. But as a Christian, the idea that each of us is here for a purpose and brings something uniquely needed to the world resonates strongly with me.
Every person reading my words right now matters to God. He has a purpose for you. You may not clearly see what it is right now, but it is true. I know it is true. If we seek Him, we will find Him.
While I don’t know the life story and circumstances of each person reading this, I’m certain that this is a difficult Christmas for many because Christmas this year isn’t as it should be. In many cases, it hasn’t been for a perhaps many years. It is my prayer you will find hope from watching or re-watching this timeless movie. If by some chance you’ve never seen it, I’ve embedded a copy at the end of this post.
Over the past week or so I saw a number of articles and videos pop up related to It’s a Wonderful Life that piqued my interest. As a little Christmas gift to you, I assembled them into this post. I hope you enjoy these additional glimpses and thoughts related to this wonderful story.
Merry Christmas!
Paul Harvey with the Rest of the Story on It’s a Wonderful Life
The great storyteller tells us more about a great story.
You never know when the Lord might need to use you to save the well-being of others.
What Can We Use Today From It’s a Wonderful Life?
Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life”: Elevating the Human Spirit takes a look at how the story matters today.
We live in a time when many people are suffering from isolation and alienation from their families. Postmodern philosophy professors continue the drumbeat, telling our kids they are nothing but a “clump of cells,” yet can “be all they can be.”
The social and moral norms that once knitted the fabric of our culture together have been disappearing from our communities and in film for the past 50 years. There is a continuous conversation on social media about the decline of human flourishing and the hatred and contempt that degrades our political landscape. Yet proposals for what can be done are few and far between.
How can we rebuild culture and community in a world where we seem to be glued together in pragmatic tribes, looking across the divide at deadly enemies? How and where do we begin to rebuild?
It’s a Wonderful Life: 50 Things
Interesting information you may or may not have known!
Don’t be afraid to cry out for help.
Episode 47: Different Roads – It’s a Wonderful Life and The Fourth Turning
It’s a Wonderful Life and The Fourth Turning in one video? Yes, please!
Something to pray about regarding how God may wish to use you in the years ahead.
Remember. Riches aren’t always counted in dollars and cents.
Watch It’s a Wonderful Life Right Here
Here is a copy you can watch right here in case you don’t own it. (Although I think everyone should own a copy!)
Merry Christmas!
One of my friends told the story of how he took a class in college about film studies, and how on the last day of class, the teacher had a popcorn machine and showed everyone “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The teacher said that films can be examined and dissected, analyzed, etc., but most importantly films are meant to be enjoyed. That was it. That was the final exam.
What a glorious story here..!!!! Thank you for retelling it and bringing that movie back to us in our Christmas~! Blessings for all you do to bring Love into the world, and honesty, integrity, and respect.
Merry Christmas to your precious family –Merri
https://youtu.be/iLR3gZrU2Xo
This happens to be my husband’s favorite Christmas movie, and one of his favorite movies of all time. My late mother in law was a classic movie buff, and she was a teen/young adult in the 1940’s (she was born in 1925). I don’t know how I missed seeing this movie before I met my husband, but I never saw it until he invited a bunch of friends over to his apartment to watch it one year during the Christmas season.
Now I’ve seen it hundreds of times, and can recite most of it from memory. It is really a unique film, and very heartwarming. I honestly never get tired of watching it. We bought the colorized version that was recently done, and it’s amazing how much you can see in it that you can’t in the black and white version.
Anyway, thanks for sharing all of the information about this iconic movie.