"No man is a failure who has friends." ~ Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life

One of my favorite things to do throughout the Christmas season is to watch feel good, sappy movies which highlight the importance of family and friends in our lives. In my opinion, these films serve as a good reminder of what is truly important (and sometimes gets forgotten) during the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The most iconic visual portrayal of this truth is without a doubt Frank Capra's timeless classic It's a Wonderful Life. Everyone knows the story of George Bailey, the selfless man who has no idea how truly blessed his life really is. It takes an experience with an angel during George's most desperate hour to help him understand exactly how many people he has impacted because of the decisions he's made throughout his life.

Isn't that true of all of us?

We have no idea how God uses our words or actions to reach into the lives of the people around us. Not only our family or friends but people who interact with or observe us when we are unaware. None of us knows what seeds of grace are planted as we move throughout our day and only God knows how they will come to fruition but I think if we were given the opportunity to see it we'd be surprised just how much we affect the world around us.

This is why Christmas is a celebration of relationship.

Throughout the world, the merrymaking of Christmas is centered around activities which draw people together as family and friends…feasting, gift giving, gathering together in peace and friendship…this is why the world embraces the holiday traditions so familiar to us all. Relationship is the glue that holds the ideal of "peace on Earth, good will to men" in the hearts and minds of those who see only Santa Claus, mistletoe, and yule-tide carols throughout the Winter holidays.

As Christians we should hopefully understand there is a much deeper layer of relationship and meaning weaved throughout our Christmas celebrations and cultural traditions.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Christmas is indeed a celebration of relationship…the most important one of all…God's relationship with us through Jesus Christ. Through the tiny baby of the manger we see the beginning of God's plan to restore humanity to Himself through grace and mercy, sacrifice and forgiveness.

Emmanuel ~ God with us.

When we accept that offer (becoming Jesus disciples) it is even more important we understand the impact of our words and actions on the lives of those around us. Through obedience to God, walking daily with Him, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds to be more like Christ throughout our lives. And just like George Baily, we will have no idea how the smallest of Christ-like gestures might change the hearts and minds of those around us.

We should never underestimate how our seemingly insignificant lives can be used by God to touch those around us. Especially when you consider how the Creator of All That Is chose to reveal and redeem by wrapping Himself in the flesh of an infant, offering Himself as a free gift to those unworthy to receive Him.