It’s the end of yet another year, another year that, for most of us, probably felt more like two years in one. Between state and federal health mandates, government growth and overreach, legal battles over important moral issues of the day, secular attempts to redefine truth, and a growing sense that we share less and less in common with our fellow Americans, there is an ever-present feeling of weariness. The cultural battles of the day seem to loom on every side, tempting us to despair — but Jesus.

In one of the most well-known and beloved of Christmas carols, we are reminded of the biblical story of hope, a promise of redemption, and the triumph of good over evil.

The Christmas hymn “O Holy Night” was written in 1847 by the French poet Placide Cappea. The poem was set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. It was first sung at a small midnight mass on Christmas Eve in 1847, just three weeks after it was composed.

John Sullivan Dwight, an American clergyman and musician, translated the French hymn into English in 1855. As a passionate abolitionist, Dwight especially connected with the third verse of the hymn because it addressed one of the most pressing cultural evils of his day — slavery.

My cousin recently commented that “It’s a Wonderful Life” was about 15 minutes too long, but we never settled on which 15 minutes we thought should be cut.

Despite those who fall asleep on their couches by the time (spoiler alert) Clarence gets his wings, there are just too many crucial scenes that sum up George Bailey’s life and show the audience the events that led him to the lowest point of his life. If someone ever figures out which exact 15 minutes get the axe, my one request to them would be that any scene including Mary Hatch Bailey stay firmly in place.

After watching this classic movie no less than a million times, I’ve witnessed a type of selfless love and dedication to a person that is rarely seen anymore. I would even venture to say that Mary is the true heroine and miracle of the poor George Bailey and maybe not entirely Clarence’s gift of a new perspective. In many ways, while Clarence was showing George what life would be like without him, Mary was showing him how wonderful life was WITH him. Rather than abandon George in his time of need, Mary and the rest of the community drew closer when George truly needed it.

If you were asked, “Where was the world-shaking gospel first revealed?” what would you say?

It is not a simple answer, but it is a very important one for all who take God’s story seriously.

Yes, the gospel was revealed long ago in the words of the Old Testament prophets. Yet not clearly, because too many Jews still miss it. But neither was it first spoken by Jesus, his cousin John the Baptist out at the Jordan, or by the Apostles on their missionary travels.

It was technically spoken by the angel Gabriel to a young middle-eastern girl who learned she was impossibly going to be with child even though a virgin. The scriptures tell us young Mary “was greatly troubled at the saying.”