Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year are times of gatherings and reflection.  One of my traditions that captures my introspection of myself and my contribution to the world around me is watching both It’s A Wonderful Life and Dicken’s Christmas Carol.  These two movies share the redemption story and the impact one individual can have upon the world around them, while yet unknown and hidden to that person until a crisis of life occurs.  These movies help me desire to not wait until a crisis to make a difference in the world around me.

George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life is a direct opposite to Ebenezer Scrooge in Dicken’s Christmas Carol.  George is the giving soul that helps all those around him, while seeing his dreams of fame and fortune slip through his fingers.  Ebenezer however, is a stingy man that acquires wealth at the expense of creating family and friend connections.

Each man is given the opportunity to see his life in a “dream” state of reflection.  George is able to see how dark and discouraging his town and family would have been if he had not been born.  His presence changed the very trajectory of most of the people in his life.  George did not see them as opportunities to give, he just was doing the loving and right thing as it presented itself.  Through multiple circumstances George begins to believe his life had been worthless and he was more valuable dead than alive, and contemplates suicide so his family can get his life insurance policy benefit.

Ebenezer on the other hand, is able to see the opportunities of love that he shunned for the acquisition of money.  He lost relationship after relationship due to the choice of money over creating intimate family and friend moments.  Ebenezer is shocked to find that no one even mourned his death.

Each man comes to the lowest point of his human existence.  Each is confronted head on to the influences that had been afforded them.  George’s awareness causes him to run with glee and embrace the hardships.  He realizes that family and friends are far more valuable than money and fame.  Ebenezer comes to the same conclusion, but by renouncing his past and stating, “I will live with the Spirit of Christmas in my heart all year long!”

Where are we in the reflection of our life’s journey?  We too often get caught up in the craziness and darkness of the world around us and forget that we have been placed in the world for such a time as this to spread the “Good News” of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection.  There are individuals that have never heard that Jesus is God’s rescue plan over the sin and darkness we see in the world today.  Even some of our own family and friends need the message of hope that a renewed spirit within us can impart to them.

Neither George nor Ebenezer beat others over the head with their message of hope.  Their lives reflected the change.  With that change, both George and Ebenezer exude joy and gratefulness to live in the moment and not take anything for granted.

I’m thankful for this time of year.  I am able to look around and determine that I will not focus on me, but realize that this life I live is not my own, it is the life that God has given to me as a gift.  What better gift of appreciation to my Lord and Savior than to give my life back to the King of kings, Lord of lords in an effort to reflect His goodness to the dark and dying world around me. 

As we close this year and prepare for the New Year, I encourage you to take time to quietly contemplate (without a life crisis) what is your impact and contribution to the spiritual growth of yourself and those who have been placed in your sphere of influence.  You may be the ONLY light of Jesus they may ever see to influence their choices.

Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith, and have caused themselves a lot of grief.

1 Timothy 6:10