The Greatest Gift: "It's a Wonderful Life"

     Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the legendary film by Frank Capra has been a staple in many people’s Christmas celebrations since its release in 1946. It is often hailed as the greatest Christmas movie of all time, and has been remade, retold, and referenced countless times in popular culture. Many of its fans are unaware however, that the film was based on a short story by Philip Van Doren Stern. It was called “The Greatest Gift.” Stern intended his title to reference that life itself is the greatest gift. I entirely agree with him on the broad existential scale, but in reference to the gifts we give each other on special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, and of course Christmas, I would argue that the film gives us another example of the greatest gift we can give to one another.

     When I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the most impactful scene for me comes after George Bailey returns home to his family. He has no knowledge that all of his problems are about to be resolved. His redemption doesn’t come from his deliverance from turmoil, but from the realization that the love of his family and friends is far greater than any turmoil.

     The crescendo and great punctuation of the film occurs when George Bailey is faced with each of the precious friends and family members, whose lives he has had such a massive impact on. He has just witnessed the truth that his own life has effected each of theirs for the better, and the knowledge that he has helped all of them in some great way is the source of his joy.

Clarence: [to George] “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

     This source of joy is essential, but what happens next is the example of a gift we can give that I allude to...

     Each of these people are here to give what money and service they can to assist George Bailey in a catastrophic situation, involving the potential collapse of his business and even his own incarceration. The true value here is not in their money, but in their active declaration of their love for George. It is their reaffirmation of the truths that George has learned from his experiences; the truths that he is genuinely valuable, honestly appreciated, and greatly loved by his family and friends.

     This is the greatest gift that we as human beings have the power to bestow upon each other. So much of the darkness and tragedy in our lives reiterate the message that we are ultimately alone and unloved. In the same way that the love of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit are our greatest hope, it takes the intervening love of others to remind us of the truth about our value.   

Clarence: [In book inscription] “Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.”

     Every time I watch this scene, the same thought comes to mind:

     “It would so powerfully effect someone’s life, and be such an incredible gift if I could give them this experience. If I could show someone with such resolute evidence that they are an irreplaceable entity; that they have contributed far more than they could imagine, and that they are recognized and loved… that would be the greatest gift I could give.”

     As I get older I begin to see the importance of communicating often and clearly what people mean to me. It is wonderful to tell someone simply that you love them, but it is far more valuable to tell them why you love them. It is commonly recognized that communication is one of the most essential elements to a successful relationship. This is universal to all kinds of relationships.

     This is challenging, because clear and intent communication is indeed challenging. We are most comfortable living life under the surface, avoiding the intimacy and serious discussions that are invaluable.

     Like all practices, communication and intimacy require work and discipline to develop. This also means that as we grow in this practice it becomes easier, and more natural. In light of this, and the current season, I would like to offer you a challenge:

     Along with the other gifts you plan on giving this Christmas, plan to give intentional conversations of affirmation as well. Tell your loved ones exactly how they’ve influenced your life for the better. Tell them how thankful you are for their presence in all of your experiences. Most importantly, tell them that their services and sacrifices are recognized, and greatly appreciated.

     One last tip, these conversations are not meant for Facebook posts, YouTube vlogs, Tweets, etc. While social media is a wonderful tool for distributing information, mass distribution also cheapens intimacy. The power of intimacy is in intimacy. Family members and close friends can be present to reaffirm expressions of love toward a family member, but remember that genuine gifts are given for the total benefit of the recipient, not for the glorification of the giver.

“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

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Now on a more serious note, enjoy a series of GIFS 

illustrating the greatest scene in Christmas film history...