One of my favorite movies of all time is Little Women and I believe it is the perfect movie to watch anytime. However, it is my personal tradition to watch at Christmastime. If you haven’t seen or read Little Women, I want to encourage you to do so. It is at the top of my list of books for building a collective memory. Not only do you learn practical ways, but you also get a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during a dark time in American History–the Civil War. In fact, the scene depicting soldiers coming home all battered and bruised from war doesn’t even begin to demonstrate the horrors men suffered during the Civil War.
Little Women is not about the Civil War and I don’t want to mislead anyone by pointing it out. However, I am grateful for the historical context that is tied into the story of the March family because it makes you appreciate so much more how they lived and why it matters. They lived a life of self-sacrifice, humility, love and joy in tangible ways that are desperately needed today. However, these virtues were not merely an obligation that came out during the Christmas season. They were baked into the character and culture of the family that shines through at all times. Like the March family, I pray we can learn to live in such a way that the same virtues are baked into our character and sewn into our moral fabric so that they shine through no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
For instance, year after year we get entangled in the trimmings and trappings of the holiday season, that we forget “one thing is needed” (Luke 10:41-42). Therefore, I want to reassure you that if you have Him, you have everything (Hebrews 13:5). Indeed, if you have Him, you have been blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). With that, is there anyone in your life, a neighbor, a friend, a relative, a stranger who needs the love of Jesus? Do you know someone in chains, someone who is lonely, someone who is hungry, someone who is sick or suffering in some way? Remember that what you do for one of the least of these, you do for Jesus (Matthew 25:40). Reach out like the March family in a tangible way and let the promises of God and the gratitude of Paul be your consolation:
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
–Philippians 4:11-20
So, if you would like a movie to watch this Christmas, opt for something that will enrich your soul. Watch Little Women here for free!
Merry Christmas! With love, Jericha
I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good. To be admired, loved, and respected. To have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. It is natural to think of it, Meg, right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy. My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I’d rather see you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.
–Louisa May Alcott, Little Women