I. Introduction
A. Christmas at the Movies
B. It’s a Wonderful Life
II. It’s a Wonderful Life…Even When It’s Not Because
A. Savior Who for Us
1. It’s a wonderful life because we have a savior who stands God for us.
a. Because He stands before God, we can withstand any storm or challenge.
b. 1 Timothy 2:5
2. This world can be a lonely place, even in a crowded room full of blessings.
a. Movie Moment: It’s a Wonderful Life doesn’t begin with a recap of George’s life; it begins with a series of prayers offered up by George’s family and friends, followed by a discussion between spiritual entities about how they are going to help him.
b. I’m not advocating that this is how it really works, but I’d like to think that when God hears prayers of the people I love, He listens and perhaps discusses what to do for them, especially when it’s about me.
c. Jesus stands before the throne of God as your advocate, even in our worst moments. (1 John 2:1)
3. It’s a wonderful for the Christian even when it’s not, because we never stand alone.
B. A Savior who with Us in Our Setbacks
1. Jesus can heal our heartaches and hangups because He has as one of us.
2. Movie Moment: One of the things George Bailey’s character experiences is setbacks. They come in the form of heartaches, broken dreams, etc. Like George, we can bottle it all up until it spills out in a fit of rage. When Calrence is first given his assignment, he asks if George is sick. The answer that comes is, “No, worse—he’s discouraged.” Like George, the Christmas season can put pressure on us to make everything look wonderful when it’s anything but.
a. Scripture reminds us that Jesus has experienced this life for a reason. Because He has experienced this life, He can truly be the Christ of compassion. (Hebrews 2:17-18)
3. Scripture reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles; Jesus understands:
a. Ups and Downs: Elijah (1 Kings 18:20-1 Kings 19:8)
b. Sorrow: Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35)
4. It’s a wonderful life because we have a Savior who gets us.
C. A Savior who Us
1. When we get down in this life, it’s easy to lose our confidence. George Bailey certainly loses confidence and forgets how much his life matters.
a. For the last few weeks, I’ve stressed that our confidence doesn’t need to come from ourselves but from Christ.
b. The word for confidence includes the ideas of boldness and openness.
c. God calls on us to come before Him when we are in need of mercy, grace, and help.
2. The fact that God wants to help us in our time of need is evidence of our to Him.
a. Movie Moment: When George needs help, his friends show up. Even Mr. Potter’s heart is softened by the response of George’s friends.
b. When we need help, our Savior shows up because He values us.
c. Matthew 10:31
d. In fact, God treasured us so much that He sent His Son to die for us—that’s how much you are treasured by God.
3. It’s a wonderful life because we are treasured by God.
III. Conclusion
A. It’s a Wonderful Life
1. It’s a wonderful life, even when it isn’t, because:
2. We have a savior who stands for us.
3. We have a Savior who sympathizes with us.
4. We have a Savior who treasures us so much that He died for us.
B. Invitation