Every year at Christmas I watch the Jimmy Stewart movie, It's a Wonderful Life. I do it because I want to "rekindle" my heart. I am reminded that each of us touches the lives of countless others - and I come better prepared to worship and the celebration of Christ's birth.

If you remember the movie, you'll recall that moment at the very end when a bell is rung and Jimmy Stewart says that "another angel gets his wings." I love that line and, when I hear a bell rung this season I always think of it. I like the idea that I have an angel walking with me - heaven knows I need one!

My wife has done me one better, however. Recently she wanted to do something special for our grandchildren that would touch the lives of others in their names. She remembered the Salvation Army (an organization we have supported and love) and their bell ringing at Christmas. So, we decided, at her suggestion, to make a special gift to the Salvation Army in the names of our grandchildren - and send them a Christmas ornament that is a bell. We hope they will ring it and connect it to the Salvation Army ringers and the true spirit of the season - giving to others as God has given to us.

I share this (with Chris' permission!) as a way of encouraging you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you - specifically the gift of generosity. It doesn't matter to what or whom you make a special gift. Nor does it matter how much or in what way you give. What matters is the joy that rekindling that spiritual fire within will bring to you.

Paul's words to Timothy remind him to get back in touch with the gifts God has given him for the sake of the energy and joy it would release within Timothy. Paul understands, of course, that such a fire relit cannot be contained within the heart of that person but will warm the hearts and touch the lives of countless others.. like Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life.

So, join Chris and I in relighting the fire of God's love come down in the Savior Jesus. You'll find Christmas is so much more meaningful for you. And who knows what human need God will meet through you.

Lord Jesus, rekindle within me the joy of your coming this Christmas. Amen