Scripture:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”- Luke 2:25-35, NIV

Devotional:

The above Scripture tells a story of Simeon, described as very old and patiently waiting to see Christ. As I reflect on this Scripture, it seems to ask the question: how do we see Christ today? 

Simeon only witnessed the beginning of Jesus’ life, yet had the faith to rely on the prophets for the fulfillment of the Christ story. More than two thousand years later, we have the benefit of knowing “the end of the movie”: Jesus was the Son of God, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and - before ascending into heaven - bestowed the apostles with the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, as Christians who now have the benefit of the entire Christ story and the blessing of the Holy Spirit, I ask again: How do we see Christ today? 

I’m sure that many people have great examples of God’s work in the world today. For me, as I pondered this question, it dawned on me that I see Christ in my annual viewing of one of my favorite films “It’s A Wonderful Life”. The 1946 classic starring Jimmy Stewart has become a holiday staple. (I should caution that I will once again go to the end of the movie...if the term “spoiler alert” can be applied to a film more than 70 years old!) 

As a recap, Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, a hometown guy if there ever was one, with unfulfilled dreams to see the world. Instead, as we see the highlights of George’s life unfold, he repeatedly chooses his family and friends of Bedford Falls over his personal ambitions for world travel. Some examples: George sacrifices a trip to Europe to save his father’s Building and Loan business from falling into the clutches of the greedy Henry Potter, “the richest and meanest man in the county”. During a financial panic, George and his wife Mary forego their honeymoon to bailout the Building and Loan. George repeatedly chooses to loan money to his neighbors based on personal reputation, not collateralizable assets. In short, George always tries to do the right thing. 

During my annual viewing, George Bailey also reminds me a bit of me, but it’s not because he tries to be a good guy (though I try to do that). It’s when things go south that George reminds me most of me. It starts off with absent-minded Uncle Billy accidentally losing $8,000 - literally dropping an envelope of cash into the lap of old man Potter, no less! This matter is inflamed by a Christmas Eve visit by the bank examiner. George snaps. Grabbing his Uncle Billy by the lapels, George calls him a “stupid, silly old fool”. George fears bankruptcy, scandal and prison. George arrives home with the weight of this problem on his shoulders and proceeds to be short tempered with his wife and children. Now that’s the George Bailey that reminds me of me! Ask my family. (Hangs head in shame.)   

I’m sure that I’m not alone. Many can relate to how their personal problems can cause them to be short with their loved ones. It’s an unfortunate part of the human condition that we sometimes vent our frustrations with those who mean the most to us.  

So, turning back toward my question:  How do we see Christ? Interestingly, we don’t see him through our protagonist, George Bailey. We see the Holy Spirit at work in George’s family and friends. 

Mary Bailey is the unsung hero of the film. Sensing her husband’s uncharacteristic behavior and clear desperation, she rallies their friends of Bedford Falls. An emotional Uncle Billy summarizes the result: “Mary did it, George! Mary did it! She told a few people you were in trouble and they scattered all over town collecting money. They didn’t ask any questions - just said: If George is in trouble, count on me.” George recovered the lost money - many times over. 

For me, “It’s A Wonderful Life” is an annual example of seeing God at work.  A man who asks for prayers in his hour of need, unconditional love from a spouse when he is most challenging to be loved, and the work of the Holy Spirit through neighbors who are there to respond. We are here to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we are here to go to God in prayer, and we are here to carry out God’s will and love one another.      

Prayer:

Holy, gracious Father. We pray that we can be a beacon of the message of Jesus Christ each and every day. We pray that we can be an answer to someone else’s prayers - or have the courage to ask for support when needed. We pray that the Holy Spirit will abide in us, creating within us a renewed spirit and an open heart filled with Christ-like love for all mankind. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

Written by Rich Krygiel. Rich leads one of our men's ministry groups at Arcola Church. He is a devoted husband to Mary and father to Ella and Zack.