Looking for “normalcy” this year is difficult for all. We found some normalcy and peace when we watched the 1947 classic movie entitled The Bishop’s Wife with Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. The screenplay was written by Robert E. Sherwood and Leonardo Bercovici from the novel by Robert Nathan. The movie concludes with the bishop, played by David Niven, delivering an incredible Christmas Eve sermon to his congregation that still rings with truth today. Here is that sermon:

Tonight, I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

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 shining gifts that make peace on earth.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Holy Night!