Special to CosmicTribune.com, December 15, 2024

The following is adapted from a social media post by Human Events Editor Jack Posobiec.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” isn’t just another Christmas movie but a quintessential Christian film for our modern era.

Firstly, let’s talk about the celebration of life itself, particularly at Christmastime.

It’s a Wonderful Life champions the common, working man, upholds the importance of marriage, family, and community, and shows the dangers of unbridled materialism.

This film captures the essence of Christianity in our world today. George Bailey’s saga, his sacrifices for Bedford Falls, is a beautiful allegory for the Christian call to service over self. It’s a reminder that we are here to serve, not to be served, just as Christ taught us

The film’s narrative is inherently Christian. The theme of It’s a Wonderful Life is a celebration of life itself at Christmastime. It has an undisputedly Christian message, perhaps more so than any other Christmas movie set in modern times. This isn’t just about holiday cheer; It’s about the profound realization of one’s value in the eyes of God and community.

George’s journey, guided by Clarence, the angel, showcases the Christian belief in divine intervention, in miracles, and in the ultimate triumph of good over evil, of love over despair, including a warning call against loss of hope and suicide at Christmastime, a real issue.

We cannot overlook the timing of the film. It came out during Christmas and takes place on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This isn’t mere coincidence. The setting of Christmas Eve and Day in the film is symbolic, paralleling the birth of Christ, which is a celebration of hope, redemption, and the love of God for humanity. The climax of the movie, where George is saved by the love of his community, mirrors the communal joy and redemption of Christmas itself.

The moral lessons are where this movie truly shines as a Christian narrative. It’s a Wonderful Life deals with “unrealized dreams, greed, service and sacrifice, identity and purpose, the enchantment of the ordinary, the joy of family.” These themes are not just about storytelling; they are about teaching Christian virtues. The contrast between George Bailey’s life, centered on love, family, and community, and Mr. Potter’s life, driven by greed and pursuit of money, is a clear moral lesson on the pitfalls of materialism and the rewards of a life lived for others.

It’s A Wonderful Life is more than entertainment; it’s a testament to Christian values in the modern world. It’s about hope when all seems lost, about seeing the divine in the ordinary, and about the power of love and community. This film doesn’t just celebrate Christmas; it celebrates what Christianity stands for in our lives every day.

So, I urge you, this Christmas, to watch It’s A Wonderful Life not just for its nostalgia but to remind ourselves of our purpose, our faith, and the joy of living a Christian life. Let’s honor this film not just as a cultural icon but as a beacon of Christian values in our modern era.