A Netflix ChristmasSample

Abundant Life amid Misfortune

In the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey’s life is marked by misfortune. A series of unexpected events convinces George Bailey that his life is worth more dead than alive. George Bailey’s misfortune is a reflection of what many people have gone through this year. Perhaps for you this year is marked by negativity and misfortune, too.  

Looking back at this year the list of unfortunate events is quite long and unsettling.  With COVID came the loss of family members, friends, and jobs. Then we experienced issues relating to race, political instability and distrust, violence against women, children, and minorities. I’m sure you can think of many more. In the midst of all of these unfortunate events, is it possible to have a happy Christmas this year?

In the movie, just before George Bailey is about to commit suicide, Clarence, his guardian angel jumps into the river. Instinctively George jumps in to save Clarence. Clarence then reminds George that his character is worth more than his loss. George may have been an unsuccessful businessman, but he had brought unmeasurable meaning to his family, friends, and random strangers. 

Most psychologists will say that the best way to counter sad memories is for us to remember happy ones. In George’s case, some of his happy memories coincided with negative experiences. For example, the time he meets and eventually marries his wife coincides with the death of his father, or the time he saves his brother’s life coincides with a partial loss of hearing. 

This Christmas too coincides with so many bad memories. In the midst of our bad memories, we are reminded of the birth of Christ. In the midst of all the negativity and death, we encounter abundant life through Jesus. His birth marks new life for all humanity even in the midst of our misery. He reminds us that our worth is more than the losses we incur. 

“Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79