Last night my family and I watched my favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Though I’ve most likely seen it twenty times or more throughout my lifetime, I never tire of its endearing characters and poignant message.

For those who may not have seen the film (are there any of you out there?), it tells the story of George Bailey, a young man who aspires to traveling the world and building grand buildings. Instead, he finds himself trapped in the small town he grew up in, running his father’s loan company.

When George’s business partner loses a large sum of money on Christmas Eve, George faces prison and scandal. Desperate, he contemplates ending his life. In answer to the prayers of many on his behalf, the Lord sends a guardian angel to give George a glimpse of what life would be like if he’d never been born. He soon realizes the impact his life has made and how blessed he truly is.

Discouragement comes to all of us. Too often, life’s challenges knock us flat, and all we can do is plead for the Lord to help us. When we are at our lowest, the Lord steps in to show the way. When we’re emptied of our own strength, His strength enables us to carry on. What a comfort to know that we have a heavenly Father who is able to meet all our needs.

I suppose we would all like a glimpse of what life would be like if we were never born. It would be interesting to see how our lives have impacted others–fellow Christians, neighbors, family members, even strangers. Like George, we would probably be surprised just how much the Lord has used our lives to influence those around us.

But there is One whose life had an impact on each and every one of us. Christ’s birth changed everything. Without Him, we would have no hope. The miracle of His humble birth began a life dedicated to bridging the chasm between God and mankind.

This Christmas, may we celebrate the blessed gift of our Savior, who humbled Himself to provide us a way to eternity with the Father. With Christ in our hearts, it truly is a wonderful life.

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas and in the coming year!

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.