This past Wednesday I asked if any of you had a favorite Christmas movie.
In my book, it’s hard to top It’s a Wonderful Life. One of the reasons that film has stood the test of time is due to the fact that we all want to know that we matter. We all want to be needed. I know some of the theology within the movie is flawed. We don’t believe that angels “earn” their wings. However, it’s still a great film. Jimmy Stewart was a gentleman of deep Christian faith. And it’s just enjoyable to see a good man star on the big screen.
Just for fun, I thought it would be good to share ten favorite quotes from films of the season. This list is hardly definitive but I’d welcome your feedback and own submissions.
#10 George Bailey
What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.
Mary: I’ll take it. Then what?
George: Well, then you can swallow it, and it’ll all dissolve, see… and the moonbeams would shoot out of your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair… am I talking too much?
It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)
# 9 Frank Cross
“It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year we are the people that we always hoped we would be.”
Scrooged (1988)
# 8 – Buddy
We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.
Elf (2003)
# 7 Linda Mason
My father was a lot like you, just a man with a family. Never amounted to much, didn’t care. But as long as he was alive, we always had plenty to eat and clothes to keep us warm.
Jim Hardy: Were you happy?
Linda Mason: Yes.
Jim Hardy: Then your father was a very successful man.
Holiday Inn (1942)
# 6 A Christmas Story (1983)
Oh, life is like that. Sometimes, at the height of our revelries, when our joy is at it’s zenith, when all is most right with the world, the most unthinkable disasters descend upon us.
# 5 Clarence: Strange, isn’t it?
Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?
It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)
# 4 Kris Kringle
Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind… and that’s what’s been changing. That’s why I’m glad I’m here, maybe I can do something about it.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
# 3 Ralphie: Hey Dad!
I bet you never guess what I got you for Christmas!
His Father: [staring blissfully into space] A new furnace?
Ralphie: [chuckling] He he, that’s a good one Dad!
Randy: [lauging] He he he!
Ralphie as Adult: My old man was one of the most feared furnace fighters in Northern Indiana.
A Christmas Story (1983)
# 2 Henry Brougham
Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking. Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child’s cry. A blazing star hung over a stable and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven’t forgotten that night down the centuries; we celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, the sound of bells and with gifts. But especially with gifts.
You give me a book; I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe. We forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled… all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s his birthday we are celebrating. Don’t ever let us forget that.
Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for most… and then let each put in his share. Loving kindness, warm hearts and the stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
# 1 Charlie Brown
Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
Linus Van Pelt: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'”
Linus Van Pelt: That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
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