One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to watch Jimmy Stewart in that classic movie " Its a Wonderful Life.  In one scene, a young Mr. Baily eloquently and passionately argues how important it is to have an institution such as Baily's Building and Loan were members of the community that can not get a mortgage through Mr. Potter's Bank  can have access to funds. He argues that those who drive taxis, are policemen, work in local pharmacies, and in industries owned by Mr Potter's Bank should be able to strive towards home ownership rather than renting from Mr. Potter.  With home ownership and affordable mortgages, they could take pride in the community and  contribute to it.  In the end they would create a community which cared for their neighbours instead of a Pottersville focused only on greed.   As a result of his speech Mr Baily was asked to take on the responsibility of managing Baily's Building and Loans and as the angel secondclass  (Gabriel) demonstrates- he had a wonderful life which touched and improved the life of many others.   I struck me this year that Habitat for Humanity has the potential to transform communities in the same way.  By  partnering with the community to build decent affordable homes for those in need in the community and by offerring no interest mortgages to home owners,  Habitat helps to transform , not only the lives of new homeowners, but of those who volunteer, those who  donate materials, and those who sponsor homes.   In this season of giving, I am reminded of how powerful the gift can be can be on those who are doing the giving.