Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.

We may not have satellite at our place over in Curdsville, but we do like good movies. Yes, I know, people have both panned and praised It's A Wonderful Life. Frankly, I like it. It has a good message, if not a scriptural one, that everyone's life touches another.

Sometimes in ways we don't realize or even appreciate.

I suppose most of us get too caught up in living and never stop to tell those around us just how much difference they've made in our lives. Like, well, pausing to say thanks to mom and dad for supporting you through college, or standing in the hot sun on a July day watching a youth soccer match, or taking time off from work to attend a school program just to be there.

Parents can, and often do, make a profound difference in our lives that children don't always understand and appreciate until much later in life. No, they aren't perfect and neither are their children, but…well, it's good to dig back through those memories and say thank you while you can.

Maybe it was a teacher who went the extra mile, offered a word of encouragement, recognized that you had potential, or just simply cared at a moment you needed it?

Or a friend who not just spoke the words, but was truly there when you needed a shoulder to lean on, or feet to carry you through the darkest moments of your life.

There must be someone to be thankful for who helped in a big or even small way. But also remember life is not a one-sided coin. If no one has blessed or been there for you, be there for someone you know who is in need.

Help someone who needs help, assist someone who needs assistance, and feel the blessings of what it's like to be on the giving end.

My favorite part of It's a Wonderful Life is when young George Bailey, realizing the distraught druggist Mr. Gower had formulated medicine from poison, refused to deliver it as told.

Mr. Gower, upset with the youth for not making the delivery, proceeds to punish the boy. When young George tells him why he has refused to make the delivery through his own cries, the look on Mr. Gower's face is priceless when he realizes that the boy had saved a life.

Wonderfully acted by H.B. Warner, the thankful Mr. Gower collapses to his knees and hugs the youth in what, for me, is one of the most touching scenes of the film. It is only augmented when it is later revealed what would have happened to Mr. Gower had the youth not been there that day.

Can a child make a difference?

In the movies, yes, but also in real life, too.

While we're here giving thanks to those who have made a difference in our lives, let's not forget the reason for this and every other Christmas season: that a baby named Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem.

A child that can make a difference in the lives of men.

A Savior who has changed the world.

Thank You.

Thank You.

Thank You.