What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

Acts 17:23b

December invites us to remember the first coming of Christ. Like Paul in Athens, I want

us to see how we can use what people already know—their stories, songs, and

traditions—as bridges to the gospel. Paul began with the Athenians’ “unknown god,”

quoted their poets, and then pointed them to the true Creator and the risen Judge. That

same wisdom and gracious clarity is our calling today. So, I reached for a cultural icon

many love at Christmastime—the film, It’s a Wonderful Life—not to draw theology from

it, but to show how its themes can open doors for gospel conversations.

George Bailey’s life paints a picture of sacrificial service: rescuing his brother, standing

up for a child’s life, giving up dreams to strengthen families through affordable homes,

and surrendering his honeymoon to save his community. Reflecting on those moments

can lead naturally into a discussion of the greater love that Christ names and embodies:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

(John 15:13). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life so His sheep may

have life—abundantly and eternally.

Films can stir us, but only Scripture reveals our true condition—dead in sin, following

desires that enslave and destroy—and the true cure: “But God, being rich in mercy…”

Through the cross and the resurrection, Jesus bore wrath we deserved and offers a

new union with Him, a life no longer ruled by sin but animated by grace.

This season, pray for open doors, speak with gentleness and respect, and use points of

common grace—stories, traditions, even “holiday” itself—to turn conversations toward

Christ. Ask permission to share, ask good questions, and let the Word do the heavy

lifting.