It's a Wonderful Life

Amelia's Christmas Novena

I watched It’s a Wonderful Life recently, after not having seen it in a while. It struck me that I identified with George Bailey more than I ever have before. Like Bailey, I never quite achieved my dream (traveling the world in his case, becoming a successful filmmaker in mine). But I do have a lovely, loving wife, a beautiful child, and plenty of friends and family to share our lives with.

Admittedly, we may have taken that for granted, until we came to a time of desperate need. My friend and co-host pointed out that Uncle Billy’s lost $8,000, adjusted for inflation, is about $139,000 today. That’s surprisingly close to how much our community gave Amelia to help support her special needs. Because of your help, we’re able to afford medications and equipment, place Amelia in a special school that can support her, and drive her to and from places comfortably.

In addition to material support, Amelia (and Kirrily and I) always needs your prayers. Somehow, even after praying several novenas together, I never noticed Amelia’s birthday is exactly nine days before Jesus’s! (In case you’ve wondered, yes, we’re reasonably sure December 25th really is His birthday.)

So tomorrow, please wish Amelia a happy birthday, and join us for a nine day Christmas Novena. And if you have any friends that would like to pray along with us, please share this with them.