Video of the Day: Clip from the 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Bible Verse of the Day:
“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[d] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. 17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. 19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” – Galatians 2:15-21
Biblical Connection:
The stress of work gets the best of George Bailey on Christmas Eve. George takes his frustration out on Uncle Billy who loses an $8000 deposit. When George comes home, he yells at his wife and kids. One thing leads to another as George has a drink, crashes his car and wants to end his life. Clarence, a guardian angel intervenes, helping George recognize that he has actually lived a wonderful life.
After sharing his testimony with the Church in Galatia in chapter one of his letter, the apostle Paul turns his attention toward faith in Christ. Apparently, Jewish Christians began to consider themselves spiritually greater than Gentile converts. This leads Paul to clear up misunderstandings about faith. Human being are saved by grace through faith, not by their works.
Closing Song:
As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, take some time today reflecting upon your life. Perhaps, the Lord will help you see how God has blessed you over the years. And maybe, you’ll experience a George Bailey moment, eager to live by coming alive in Christ this Christmas.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 