Sermon Illustrations

Each December, millions of people around the world watch Frank Capra’s 1946 film, "It’s A Wonderful Life". Although it wasn’t a hit when it debuted, it has become a Christmas classic.

In a Time magazine essay, Roger Rosenblatt pondered the film’s continuing appeal. He concluded that the story is really about friendship. That helps to explain why we often feel choked up as we watch George Bailey’s family and friends rally around him in his time of greatest need. Rosenblatt said, “Just when George thinks he’s alone in the world, the world shows up to declare its love for him.”

That sentence seems to capture the essence of our celebration of the birth of Jesus. Just when we thought we were alone in the world, Christ came to declare God’s love for us. Not only did God send His Son into the world at exactly the right time (Galatians 4:4-5), but He also demonstrated “His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That’s the message of Christmas that opens the door to a wonderful life—the joy of knowing Christ and living in His love.

Have you received the gift of eternal life that He offers to you? If not, do so today.

By: David C. McCasland

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • "'the' Birthday Celebration

    Contributed by Maria Saunders on Dec 22, 2016
    based on 1 rating
     | 68,712 views

    It’s poor etiquette to attend a party and don’t bring the host/honoree a gift. We should feel privileged to receive an invitation to attend. Therefore, it’s extremely important that we bring the right gifts to the honoree.

  • The Sunday After Christmas Sermon Series

    Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 20, 2015
    based on 10 ratings
     | 53,362 views

    How did Christmas 2014 feel to you? Maybe your Christmas wasn’t all you expected. Now that Christmas is over, maybe the excitement has passed and life is already returning to some kind of normal. Whatever normal might be in your life!

  • Alone With God Series

    Contributed by Lalachan Abraham on Jul 6, 2013
    based on 16 ratings
     | 46,704 views

    C.S Lewis, in his book “Miracles” writes, “The presence of God is the most real thing we ever encounter.” Moses prayed, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here”.Exodus 33:15

  • A Light In The Darkness

    Contributed by Danny Janes on Dec 10, 2012
    based on 1 rating
     | 42,638 views

    Good sermon for first Sunday of Advent -- lighting of Prophet Candle. The theme of light vs. darkness is woven throughout the Bible. This is what the coming of the Light marked in our world.

  • The True Meaning Of Christmas

    Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Nov 27, 2016
    based on 1 rating
     | 35,728 views

    What is the meaning of Christmas. We enjoy the festivities, the gift-giving, the pageants and decorations. But they veil the real meaning of Christmas. Join is Sunday as Pastor Sligh preaches on the “The True Meaning of Christmas."