The wrapping paper’s on the floor.
That moment of giving is no more.
This year’s Christmas is now gone past.
What now remains is the gift that lasts.

The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” became a classic Christmas film.  Christmastime is the setting at the beginning and end.  But it’s not about Christmas presents though it is about giving.

George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) learned about life from his father, Peter, who ran the town building and loan. In contrast to the rich and miserly Potter who owned the bank and abused the townsfolk, Peter told George, “I feel that in a small way we are doing something important.  It’s deep in the race for a man to want his own roof, and we’re helping get those things in our shabby little office.”

After Peter passed unexpectedly, Potter insulted the man while arguing to close the building and loan.  George responded, “In the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. He didn’t save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter.”

To keep the family business open, George assumed his father’s position.  It cost him his lifelong dream of hearing anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles, and building airfields, skyscrapers, and bridges. He stayed home while Harry went to college.

In one scene the flirty Violet, a lifelong friend, needed a new start in life.  George helped her with the means to go to New York.  Her response? “I’m glad I know you, George Bailey.”

Near the end of the movie, George found himself in a crisis not of his making.  While contemplating a leap off the bridge, he realized how many lives he had touched in Bedford Falls.  With renewed enthusiasm for life, he returned to his family.  When news spread that George was in crisis, his friends rushed to help.

Jesus said, “Give that which is within as a charitable gift” (Luke 11:41).  As portrayed by George Bailey, that means humility, service, and putting others before self.  It means authentic friendships.  That’s far more than seasonal Christmas giving.  That is being a life giver, someone people are glad to know.  By faith, you are especially equipped with something to offer.  “Those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:17).

Christmas is a celebration of God’s great gift.  “The gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).  Join with the saints in saying, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).  This gift of life in Christ, the gift that lasts, equips you as a life giver.

Joy is a theme of Christmas.  “Joy to the World” the carol proclaims!  But why is it that joy can seem so elusive?

We pine for happier times.  The COVID virus and the economic shutdown have affected so many families.  Some are avoiding traditional family gatherings this year.  Even worse, this may be your first Christmas without a loved one.  Life happens, and can steal your joy.  Or not!  I submit to you that happiness and joy are different.  Suffering hides happiness, but joy abides in sadness.

British theologian Jo Vitale writes, “What sets joy apart is, whereas happiness is dependent upon our circumstances, biblical joy is experienced in defiance of the circumstances.”  The Psalmist thanked God saying, “You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have untied my sackcloth and encircled me with joy” (Psa. 30:11).  Jesus’ followers experienced this, too.  After a flogging for speaking about Jesus, they went on their way “rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:41-32).  That is the abiding joy that keeps you living with purpose.

You have reason to live with joy despite your circumstances.  Jesus said, “Rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (Luke 10:20).  Sadness doesn’t change the joy that is yours by faith.  Peter writes, “Though you do not see Him now but believe in Him you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible (1 Pet. 1:8).

Jesus changed the circumstances of the world, and in your life.  In the words of Tolkien’s character Sam Gamgee, “Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead myself. Is everything sad going to come untrue? What’s happened to the world?” “A great shadow has departed,” Gandalf said, and then he laughed.  If there’s a sadness that has become untrue, it is the hopelessness of evil and separation from God.  Jesus overcame those so that joy may abide in you.

How can you have this joy?  C. S. Lewis wrote, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.”  Abiding joy is what God offers.  It does not exist apart from Him. Then consider this:  Jesus “has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  So if joy comes from the Lord and He seeks you, then it follows that you don’t have to pursue happiness because a greater Joy is in pursuit of you!  Respond to the cry of the carol, “Let every heart prepare him room”!

Joy isn’t elusive when you realize it’s not an emotion, but a Person.  By faith, Christ Jesus lives in you (Gal. 2:20).  His Christmas gift to you is Himself, your Abiding Joy.