I ran this excerpt from the 1947 film The Bishop's Wife this time last year because it's one of my favorite Christmas movies. It's so sweet and Cary Grant is perfection.
The movie ends with a Christmas Eve sermon that gets me every time. I just watched it again and was struck by the message more than ever. In light of the heavy hearts, frustrations, and reflection this holiday season has been surrounded by, I wanted to share it with you again.
The sermon starts at 0:50. You can also watch the clip of it here.
Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.
Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry. A blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees. With the sound of bells, and with gifts.
But especially with gifts. You give me a book; I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer, and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It's His birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that.
Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share. Loving kindness, warm hearts and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on Earth.
My true wish for us all. Sending my love to you, friends old and new. Merry Christmas.
