Finding God in the classic film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
The Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos’ 2012 book “Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life” is a devotional book exploring themes of faith found in various scenes in the 1946 holiday classic.
This is the time of year when millions of households in North America will watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” That includes ours. The Frank Capra classic movie has become an essential part of the Christmas season since it was first released in 1946.
A dozen years ago I wrote “Finding God in It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s a devotional book that explores themes of faith found in various scenes in the film.
While doing research for the manuscript I discovered that, in addition to the values foundational to Christian faith that are embedded in the film, you can actually find God in the movie if you know where to look.
For example, the person who plays the part of Mr. Gower, the druggist in Bedford Falls, is a British-born actor by the name of H.B. Warner.
Nineteen years before he appeared in the Frank Capra classic, Warner was cast as Jesus Christ in Cecil B. DeMille’s blockbuster silent film “King of Kings.”
So, in a very literal sense you could say that you can find God in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But fingerprints of the Divine are seen elsewhere in a more subtle sense.
For example, in many ways Jimmy Stewart’s character can be seen as a Christ-figure. Near the start of the film, we find a young George Bailey risking his life to save the life of his little brother after a sledding accident. Does laying down one’s life to save another sound familiar?
And speaking of Mr. Gower the druggist, we first encounter him when young George is seen working at Gower’s Drugstore after school. Having received a telegram informing him of his son’s untimely death, Mr. Gower attempts to drown his sorrow with alcohol. In his drunken state the druggist mistakenly bottles toxic medicine and demands that George deliver the prescription.
Having witnessed the mistake, George is perplexed as to what to do. He heads to his father’s office down the street to seek guidance. Therein we see another spiritual insight. When in doubt what to do, our faith calls us to run to our Heavenly Father for direction.
We also see George Bailey as a Christ-figure when he is interacting with Violet Bick, the town prostitute. Rather than repudiating the woman for her well-earned reputation, George offers to help Vi make a fresh start in a new place by offering her money to relocate.
Like Jesus, George is willing to be associate with the marginalized of society even though his own reputation might be tarnished in the process.
My favorite God-sighting in “It’s a Wonderful Life” is in Mr. Potter’s office at the bank. There we find a vulnerable George Bailey tempted by the Scrooge-like grinch to give in and sell out. Much like Jesus being tempted by Satan in the Judean wilderness, George experiences the anguish of soul before resisting the comforts of compromise.
Since the publication of my book, I have had numerous opportunities to participate in the annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls, New York where I have shared examples of God sightings in the movie.
To be clear, the Capra classic was not written or produced as a religious movie. The metaphors and symbolic references that relate to faith are simply in the eyes of the beholder like me. But they are definitely there to be detected by those who (in the words of Jesus) have eyes to see.
As we once again navigate this holiday season, we will find ourselves surrounded by familiar images, music, messages and even movies. Because of the familiarity of what we’ve come to expect year after year, the spiritual essence of what is easily taken for granted might be missed. Beware of that tendency.
Be willing to look beyond the obvious. Finding God in Christmas may be the key to discovering your wonderful life.
• The Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos is a former Naperville resident who writes about faith and family.