Thanks, Clarence

People can be classified into two groups: those who do and those who don't like the movie It's A Wonderful Life. I happen to be in the first group. I love the many lessons found in the story line. And I love the way Jimmy Stewart plays his part.

If you will recall, the story begins with a view of the stars, the heavens and the universe. In the background we hear prayers being offered on behalf of a person named George Bailey. Janie and Tommy, George's children, are praying for their daddy. Mr. Gower and Mr. Martini are asking God to help their friend. And Mary is pleading for her husband who is in trouble. TRUTH #1: We pray for each other and there is power in unified prayer.

Upon hearing these heartfelt pleas, the powers of heaven kick into motion. Clarence, an angel second class, is given the assignment to go to earth and see what can be done for poor George Bailey. I don't know how heaven is organized, and I doubt if God and Hollywood agree on how prayers are answered, but one thing is certain. TRUTH #2: God hears and in some way or another, according to our faith and God's will, we are given the help we need.

I want to share Elder Holland's October 2008 Conference talk again: The Ministry of Angels. "...God knew the challenges they [His children] would face, and He certainly knew how lonely and troubled they would sometimes feel. So He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near." (Ensign, November 2008, page 29).

For the past several months I have been reading stories from the Old Testament (I have been cheating...using 365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories). It is amazing the number of angels that have been sent to give instruction. From the time of Adam and Eve, down to Jesus Christ himself and into the latter-days, angels have appeared dozens and dozens of times. I have not seen them. But there have been a few experiences in my life where I have felt the spirit world was very close. So, I believe!

Elder Holland goes on to say that not all angels come from the spirit world. "I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them walk with and talk with us, here and now." (Ensign, November 2008, page 30). Clarence could not have done his job without the help of all the mortals in Bedford Falls. TRUTH #3: As the hymn states, the errand of angels is given to women (and we will include men). We are sometimes the answer to someone else's prayer. And sometimes we are even the answer to our own prayers as we receive direction and revelation on how to solve our problems.

For those who have not seen the movie, George operates a savings and loan company. Through a series of events $8,000 of company money is "lost". Unfortunately, a bank examiner is on the site that day and George has to admit to the loss. He feels his life is ruined with debt, prison and scandal. He wants to throw his life away. After finding out about the situation, Mary feels inspired to rally the people together. Neighbors offer their personal savings of only a few dollars to help cover the loss. Long time school buddy, Sam Wainwright, offers thousands of dollars. People bring food and drink to the home. The bank examiner forgives the debt. Were these angel offerings? You bet!

TRUTH #4: Miracles happen, but sometimes not as anticipated. There's no doubt that Clarence could have recovered the stolen $8,000 from mean old Mr. Potter. And that would have been justice. But wasn't it a sweeter ending to the story to have the miracle be the joining together of the community? The miracle is that Clarence helped George finally realize that even though he was missing $8,000, he was the richest man in town. He was rich in those things that mattered most: family, friends, integrity and a good name.

A week from today is Christmas. It is a time to think of angels. Angel Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth and Mary. An angel appeared to the shepherds and was later joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts. Maybe it's the Forgotten Carol analogy, but I wonder if I was in that choir? Or was it limited seating only (reserved for future members of the Tabernacle Choir)? How much is a "multitude of heavenly hosts"? Could there have been billions singing? Personally, I don't think so. But, as I lead our Roy 30th ward choir and think of the hundreds of other ward choirs that are not equal to the talent and ability of the Mo Tabs, I bet there were "ward choirs" singing in the far reaches of heaven that first Christmas night...sort of like singing back up for Neil Diamond. And Clarence? He wasn't perfect. He hadn't earned his wings yet. But he was still given a very difficult assignment and came through with flying colors (no pun intended). He was finally fitted for his wings. TRUTH #5: We don't need to be perfect to be angels here and now. But the very process of trying brings us closer to that ideal.

TRUTH #6: Do you remember Zuzu's pedals? I've thought a lot about those. She had faith that her daddy could fix the flower and put the fallen pedals back on the beautiful rose. Later in the movie when George finally realized he wanted to live, Zuzu's pedals in his pocket were his confirmation of the miracle he had just experienced. To me, Zuzu's pedals are a reminder that Father can fix what's broken in my life...and it can be a "wonderful life". Here are Elder Holland's words of HOPE: "...I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges we face." Then he quotes from Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left...my spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

So thanks to Clarence and all the angels there...and here. Since I don't believe that angels have wings, every time I hear a bell ring this Christmas, I will just think of you!