Every Christmas, I look forward to watching, once again, "It's a Wonderful Life." I love seeing George Bailey in that most wonderful moment when realizing that he has his life back says, "My mouth's bleeding Burt, my mouth's bleeding!" The lead character in this 1946 classic learns the wonderful truth that what is most valuable in life isn't riches, fame, or adventure, but rather relationships. George Bailey learns that a good family and true friends will bring a man more happiness than worldly success. It is true that relationships are the most important aspect of our lives but our relationships with our family and friends must always be secondary to our relationship with God.

A.W. Tozer once said, "What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." I hope that what comes to your mind when you think about God is someone that you know personally through Jesus Christ. Christmas should not only bring us closer to one another but it should also bring us closer to God.

At Christmas we remember that God the Father really does love us, and that he was willing to send his son Jesus to be a substitute for sinful men and women like us. Because of Jesus we can know God and have a very real and a very deep relationship with him.

So when you think about what is most important in your life this Christmas, I pray that your relationship with God in Christ would come to mind. Knowing God and his purpose and will for your life will only make your relationships with your family and friends deeper and more fulfilling. Jesus really is the answer to a wonderful life; as we celebrate his coming let us focus on knowing him more fully. When we do, he will make us like him, for the sake of our joy and his glory.

Jason Dees is a grateful follower of Jesus Christ, the husband of Paige and the father of Emery Anna. He is also the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Covington.