It’s a fascinating litany of crises. All manner of difficulties, turmoil, terror, confusion, and hardship come. People’s hearts grip them in fear. They cry out in desperation. They implore God for his deliverance and salvation. They plead for his help. Before the rescue comes, the divine sovereignty is proclaimed. It starts with two words: “Give thanks.”

This year we started the Christmas season by watching the Frank Capra classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, which stars Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. We have seen this movie many times, but this year we were struck by the contrast between Bedford Falls and Pottersville, and we saw in it a message for times such as ours. Sadly, it seemed to us that our world today looks much like Pottersville.