“It’s a Wonderful Life”

by Blake Coleman

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Every Advent season, I enjoy an astounding amount of Christmas and holiday media. From songs to movies, the Advent spirit works its way into my body through constant exposure. Sitting around the television with friends, family, and a good holiday drink, I find myself more at peace than at any other time of year. There is one movie, in particular, that never fails to make me reflect on the importance of my family, myself, God, and love. That movie is the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart and Donna Reed.

The first time I saw this film, at around eight or nine years old, I scoffed at it and said, “This movie can’t be good; it’s in black and white! That means it’s old!” Never mind that by then I already loved “I Love Lucy” and “White Christmas.” Regardless, my parents, my grandparents, my sisters, and I all sat around the TV on Christmas morning and watched the saddest, most beautiful movie I had ever seen—one that made me feel things I wouldn’t fully understand for many years, and made me realize that loving myself and loving my neighbor are the two most important things I can do.

Since that first viewing, I have dutifully sat down to appreciate the story and its message every year without fail—even if it makes me sob like a baby. Nothing makes me feel more comfortable in the Advent season than a good movie with good company.

Each Man’s Life Touches So Many Other Lives.

– Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life”