The least likely of people sometimes have the greatest impact on our lives. In Frank Capra’s classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the main character George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) is beyond depressed. At one point he even considers suicide. But thanks to his angel Clarence, his daughter Zuzu, and the godly people of Bedford Falls, he is able to see how rich in spirit he is. Living in a house which is more like a drafty barn, seeing his next-door neighbor with a new car, the whole Potter and the bank debacle; it all leads to a Christmas Eve meltdown.

Sometimes taking care of the seemingly trivial matters of life is just the antidote to the bigger things that drive us nuts. When George “mends” his youngest daughter’s paper flower, it gives him purpose again. This is the work of angels. To God alone be the glory for employing nondescript individuals to fulfill loftier, behind-the-scenes purposes – shepherds, prostitutes, people with speech impediments (David, Rahab, and Moses, namely). God more often chooses not the easier way, but the simpler way. Random acts of kindness and paying it forward are two catch-phrases of this one-fourths completed 21^st Century. Whether it’s movies, music, or some other recurrence in the world, God has ways of continuing what he already began. It is a plan, a promise, a covenant to never leave us abandoned. Sentiment is the flavor of this season. Also the advent of returns, of coming again with unconditional love. Our blind belief and trust that there is always good in the world, good in people. Especially the ones we don’t see it coming from.

Pastor Art