Bishop's Wife sermon

I had already posted about one of my favorite Christmas movies, The Bishop's Wife, (here) but I couldn't leave it be with one post. The movie is sooooo good. And I find that it is one that many have never seen or even heard of. Cary Grant is almost enough of a reason to watch any movie, but he has nothing to do with my love of this sweet film. Here we have a holiday film proclaiming the meaning of Christmas.

This is the Christmas sermon from the end of the film. Short. Sweet. And wonderful.

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. Its 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.

I also love it when the boy's choir sings, O Sing to God (Noel)



The focus of the world IS the gifts, the decorations, the business, and Santa, and seemingly everything but the Christ child. My heart is that my focus would always be Jesus. That my life would be lived out for Him. To bring Him joy and glory. That I would live out my life singing out hymns of adoration, all year long.