We recently watched one of our favorite Christmas movies: It’s A Wonderful Life.  In it George Bailey faces enormous pressures from his work that affects his entire family.  He becomes so depressed he wishes he had never been born.  The movie continues with what Clarence – his guardian angel – calls a gift,  “You’ve been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you.”

Certainly we are facing very demanding, difficult times in our nation.  Many are facing financial struggles as challenging as George.  In can affect how we are celebrating this season, and how well we are caring for our spouses and children through it all.  Today, we encourage you to pause and reflect on how rich you truly are.  Regardless of our material possessions, we have been given a great gift – Christ Jesus, who took the wrath we deserved as sinners and welcomed us into His family.   We have spouses who love us, like Mary Bailey, and are committed to walking with us in the good times and the bad.  This is no light thing!  It is a gift!  Imagine what life would be like without such blessings?  We would find, like George, there really is no life apart from the relationships we enjoy.

The movie ends with this quote from Clarence, “no man is a failure who has friends!” And our spouses are the closest friends we’ll ever have in this life – and it is a wonderful life!