Jason: I found your Substack a few weeks ago and in a matter of days, your writing became a precious part of my life. Today’s thoughts epitomize so much of the season I’m in personally, but with such appropriate ties to where we are as a nation. I live in the area of Western North Carolina hit hard by Helene. The housing situation here was already in crisis before the storm took out hundreds if not thousands of homes (I don’t know the official count at this point). I am encouraged by your words to continue to engage the community around me with curiosity, sacrificial, and with hope that the Lord is doing unexpected things—GOOD things—through all the things we experience in our lives (even death/death of dreams). I’m challenged to “ponder on my bed and be silent” in this moment. Thankful for how you’ve stirred my contemplation…I think it’s time to watch It’s a Wonderful Life again with my family.
Kelsey, I’m so thankful you found us, and even more grateful that the lessons have brought you encouragement and meaning. I continually pray that what I do here serves a greater purpose and truly touches lives in a meaningful way.
North Carolina has been on my heart and in my prayers for some time. My heart aches for all that you and so many others have endured. Yet, I hold fast to the truth that we serve a God who works all things together for His purpose and glory. He is faithful, even in the most difficult seasons. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers as you navigate this time.
Thank you for being here and for your kind words. They mean more than you know.
I must've seen this movie at least 40 times by now, and I always look forward to watching it each and every Christmas season. Romans 8:28 has been my life verse since I was 13, when my 12-year-old sister died in a car-bicycle accident in 1969. It is the verse that has sustained me through my divorce 13 years ago, due to my own bad choices. Jason, your usual excellent writing and weaving of deep spiritual truth, thank you.
And on another note, apparently the cynicism of the FBI has only deepened almost 80 years after this movie, as illustrated by the information you shared. No, I did not know that fact, but also no, I am not surprised.
I'm not even sure how many times I've seen it but it's a lot. One of my all-time favorites. I was blessed to have the opportunity to direct a stage version of it at a community theater many years ago as well.
One of the things I love about Romans 8:28 is how many times I've been cynical that God could possibly bring anything positive out of a situation only to see God do it again and again.
I'm so thankful I don't always get what I want because what God gives me is always better than anything I've imagined.
In 1984 and 1985 I was blessed and privileged to play the lead in a play called "The Gospel According to Scrooge" at my church. Amazingly, we played to packed houses all 5 nights of our production over the course of those years. I think it would be a lot of fun to be in a stage play of "It's a Wonderful Life."
I watch “A Christmas Carol” (“Scrooge” with Alastair Sim) and “It’s A Wonderful Life” every Christmas. I’m a fan of older movies and older actors, like James Stewart. Thank you!
Despite the “muddy pagan footprints” on this film, the central point you highlighted—we must serve others without recognition, knowing that God watches and rewards—encourages me. Jesus said if people praise us for our good works here, then we have had our reward. That is it, finished. Temporary, fleeting, and ultimately a cause of bitter regret. We need to serve others and not be rewarded in the here and now now if we want the golden “well done, good and faithful servant.” So yes, the main character lacked faith, and seemingly did the right thing out of duty. This left him desolate. Service out of duty alone can do that. As Christians, we have a higher and bigger understanding of God’s plan for our life, including the suffering. Great joy of joys, God has promised to transform us to the image of Jesus!
Back to back extraordinary teachings involving beloved Christmas stories. Yesterday A Christmas Carol and today It’s a Wonderful Life. Both amazing stories that share incredible insights. Thank you.
Our favorite movie, my wife and I have watched it on Christmas Eve each of the 25 years of our marriage. I never fail to weep at some point during their formative years story.
I was unaware of the film's inadvertent rejuvenation in the 1970s, when it was so sorely needed. What a testament to our sovereign God!! Indeed. ALL things work together for good for for His people--those whose trust is in Christ--even the really tough Job-level stuff that may leave us destitute of all hope in this world. ("Oh wretched man that I am!" writes Paul. "Who will save me from this body of death?")
As a writer of fiction, I'm reminded that all we do is for His glory, not ours. Sometimes (often?) that means apparent lack of "success" in the short term as we cast our bread upon the waters, in faith. Will a future generation pick up what we do? Maybe. Are we OK with it being royalty free? If we're seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, we already have riches beyond all we could ask or think, our lives hidden in Him. (See Col 3:1-3 and Eph 3:20-21, for example.)
Lastly, I'm reminded that God shoots straight with crooked arrows, as the saying goes, which is a relief first of all b/c I am one, and secondly b/c from a Biblical standpoint, IAWL is a train wreck dumpster fire with muddy pagan footprints all over it, e.g., hope in the basic goodness of man; salvation from one's fellow man; angels confused with people, etc.
Even so, compared to most of the reprobate dreck which passes for entertainment these days, it's at least a film I can watch with my grandkids.
Thank you, Art. I went back and forth about whether to write about IAWL. As much as I love it, you're completely right about its issues in regard to the unbiblical point of view. It's not a Christian movie. I even thought about making THAT the lesson of the article.
Ultimately, I decided that there was a lesson in it that I felt far outweighed its problems. In fact, I connected with the lesson personally and probably got more out of it than anyone else will.
My dad was a minister and every once in a while when he was preaching he'd stop and say, "God's preaching to me today." That's how I felt writing this one.
When I was writing "Covered With Snow" (2021, Carmel Head Books), I was mired in perfectionism. What if this or that wasn't perfectly Biblical? My (godly) editor's words ring in my ears to this day: "Art, there is ONE perfect book; and you didn't write it!"
Jason: I found your Substack a few weeks ago and in a matter of days, your writing became a precious part of my life. Today’s thoughts epitomize so much of the season I’m in personally, but with such appropriate ties to where we are as a nation. I live in the area of Western North Carolina hit hard by Helene. The housing situation here was already in crisis before the storm took out hundreds if not thousands of homes (I don’t know the official count at this point). I am encouraged by your words to continue to engage the community around me with curiosity, sacrificial, and with hope that the Lord is doing unexpected things—GOOD things—through all the things we experience in our lives (even death/death of dreams). I’m challenged to “ponder on my bed and be silent” in this moment. Thankful for how you’ve stirred my contemplation…I think it’s time to watch It’s a Wonderful Life again with my family.
Kelsey, I’m so thankful you found us, and even more grateful that the lessons have brought you encouragement and meaning. I continually pray that what I do here serves a greater purpose and truly touches lives in a meaningful way.
North Carolina has been on my heart and in my prayers for some time. My heart aches for all that you and so many others have endured. Yet, I hold fast to the truth that we serve a God who works all things together for His purpose and glory. He is faithful, even in the most difficult seasons. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers as you navigate this time.
Thank you for being here and for your kind words. They mean more than you know.
I must've seen this movie at least 40 times by now, and I always look forward to watching it each and every Christmas season. Romans 8:28 has been my life verse since I was 13, when my 12-year-old sister died in a car-bicycle accident in 1969. It is the verse that has sustained me through my divorce 13 years ago, due to my own bad choices. Jason, your usual excellent writing and weaving of deep spiritual truth, thank you.
And on another note, apparently the cynicism of the FBI has only deepened almost 80 years after this movie, as illustrated by the information you shared. No, I did not know that fact, but also no, I am not surprised.
I used to think the FBI under Hoover was about as bad as it could get... Not sure I need to finish that thought.
I'm not even sure how many times I've seen it but it's a lot. One of my all-time favorites. I was blessed to have the opportunity to direct a stage version of it at a community theater many years ago as well.
One of the things I love about Romans 8:28 is how many times I've been cynical that God could possibly bring anything positive out of a situation only to see God do it again and again.
I'm so thankful I don't always get what I want because what God gives me is always better than anything I've imagined.
In 1984 and 1985 I was blessed and privileged to play the lead in a play called "The Gospel According to Scrooge" at my church. Amazingly, we played to packed houses all 5 nights of our production over the course of those years. I think it would be a lot of fun to be in a stage play of "It's a Wonderful Life."
I'll have to look that up. Sounds like an interesting concept.
We did A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley at the theater one year. Ending up being one of the most successful shows they'd ever done at the time.
It seems that people really enjoy that particular theme, glad to hear that.
I watch “A Christmas Carol” (“Scrooge” with Alastair Sim) and “It’s A Wonderful Life” every Christmas. I’m a fan of older movies and older actors, like James Stewart. Thank you!
Despite the “muddy pagan footprints” on this film, the central point you highlighted—we must serve others without recognition, knowing that God watches and rewards—encourages me. Jesus said if people praise us for our good works here, then we have had our reward. That is it, finished. Temporary, fleeting, and ultimately a cause of bitter regret. We need to serve others and not be rewarded in the here and now now if we want the golden “well done, good and faithful servant.” So yes, the main character lacked faith, and seemingly did the right thing out of duty. This left him desolate. Service out of duty alone can do that. As Christians, we have a higher and bigger understanding of God’s plan for our life, including the suffering. Great joy of joys, God has promised to transform us to the image of Jesus!
Back to back extraordinary teachings involving beloved Christmas stories. Yesterday A Christmas Carol and today It’s a Wonderful Life. Both amazing stories that share incredible insights. Thank you.
Our favorite movie, my wife and I have watched it on Christmas Eve each of the 25 years of our marriage. I never fail to weep at some point during their formative years story.
Outstanding piece. Thank you!
Great piece AGAIN, Jason!
I was unaware of the film's inadvertent rejuvenation in the 1970s, when it was so sorely needed. What a testament to our sovereign God!! Indeed. ALL things work together for good for for His people--those whose trust is in Christ--even the really tough Job-level stuff that may leave us destitute of all hope in this world. ("Oh wretched man that I am!" writes Paul. "Who will save me from this body of death?")
As a writer of fiction, I'm reminded that all we do is for His glory, not ours. Sometimes (often?) that means apparent lack of "success" in the short term as we cast our bread upon the waters, in faith. Will a future generation pick up what we do? Maybe. Are we OK with it being royalty free? If we're seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, we already have riches beyond all we could ask or think, our lives hidden in Him. (See Col 3:1-3 and Eph 3:20-21, for example.)
Lastly, I'm reminded that God shoots straight with crooked arrows, as the saying goes, which is a relief first of all b/c I am one, and secondly b/c from a Biblical standpoint, IAWL is a train wreck dumpster fire with muddy pagan footprints all over it, e.g., hope in the basic goodness of man; salvation from one's fellow man; angels confused with people, etc.
Even so, compared to most of the reprobate dreck which passes for entertainment these days, it's at least a film I can watch with my grandkids.
Thank you, Art. I went back and forth about whether to write about IAWL. As much as I love it, you're completely right about its issues in regard to the unbiblical point of view. It's not a Christian movie. I even thought about making THAT the lesson of the article.
Ultimately, I decided that there was a lesson in it that I felt far outweighed its problems. In fact, I connected with the lesson personally and probably got more out of it than anyone else will.
My dad was a minister and every once in a while when he was preaching he'd stop and say, "God's preaching to me today." That's how I felt writing this one.
When I was writing "Covered With Snow" (2021, Carmel Head Books), I was mired in perfectionism. What if this or that wasn't perfectly Biblical? My (godly) editor's words ring in my ears to this day: "Art, there is ONE perfect book; and you didn't write it!"
One of your best even Jason! Just Restacked!
Thank you, Jim! I appreciate your continued support.
Another great lesson