As longtime readers will know, I post The Bishop’s Wife film’s ending sermon every year because it’s just as relevant as in 1947 when the film was released.
The Bishop’s Wife stars Cary Grant as Dudley the angel and the Bishop (David Niven) and his wife (Loretta Young). Dudley helps the couple find a love for life again as well as giving the Bishop a new purpose, after putting away his spiritual doubt.
The Bishop is taxed with writing the Christmas Eve sermon and can’t seem to get to it. Instead, Dudley writes it for him. As soon as the Bishop starts giving his sermon, he realizes he does recognize it, then pauses and resumes. No one remembers Dudley being there, but his presence made an incredible impact.
The sermon is perfect. I watch this film every year after everyone goes to bed and I fill stockings. It’s my favorite tradition.
Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.
David Niven, The Bisop’s Wife
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, with 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 can do with a new pipe. For 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’re celebrating. Don’t let us ever 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 a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shinning gifts that make peace on earth.
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