Uncover the Spiritual Side of Christmas with These Heartwarming Films
'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
In this classic tale, an old and grumpy man named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) steps in as Santa Claus during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. His jovial presence quickly becomes a hit among the crowd, and he begins making regular appearances at the store, spreading Christmas cheer. However, his claim to be the real Santa Claus draws skepticism, leading to a legal battle that questions his sanity and legitimacy. An optimistic lawyer comes to his defense and helps him rediscover the true essence of Christmas and the power of faith. This movie is a must-watch for the whole family and is rated G. You can find it on Disney+.Imagine the joy on the faces of children as they see Santa Claus in person for the first time. Kris Kringle's character embodies the spirit of Christmas, teaching us the importance of believing in something greater than ourselves. The story reminds us that faith can move mountains and bring hope to even the most skeptical hearts.
The courtroom scenes in 'Miracle on 34th Street' are particularly captivating, as they showcase the battle between reason and faith. It makes us think about how we often doubt what we can't see with our own eyes but forget that faith is what gives meaning to our lives.
'The Nativity Story'
After receiving a visit from the angel Gabriel, Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and her betrothed, Joseph (Oscar Isaac), embark on a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This movie beautifully depicts the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ and the faith and courage required of Mary and Joseph. Rated PG, you can rent it on YouTube TV, Apple TV, or Amazon Prime Video.The portrayal of Mary and Joseph's journey is both poignant and inspiring. It shows us the simplicity and humility of their faith as they follow God's plan. Their story reminds us of the importance of staying true to our beliefs even in the face of adversity.
The attention to detail in 'The Nativity Story' is remarkable, from the costumes to the set design. It transports us back to ancient times and allows us to experience the birth of Jesus Christ in a way that is both educational and emotional.
'The Small One'
A young boy in ancient Palestine is faced with a difficult decision when his father orders him to sell his beloved donkey, whom he calls Small One. When he can't find any buyers at the Nazareth market, he meets a kindhearted man named Joseph, who needs transportation to Bethlehem. This heartwarming story teaches us the value of kindness and compassion. Rated G, you can watch it on Disney+.The relationship between the young boy and Small One is truly touching. It shows us the deep bond that can exist between a person and an animal and how that bond can be tested in difficult times. The encounter with Joseph also highlights the power of kindness to change lives.
The setting of ancient Palestine adds to the charm of 'The Small One', making it a visually appealing movie. It allows us to step back in time and immerse ourselves in the world of the Bible.
'A Christmas Carol' (1984)
On a chilly Christmas Eve, a miserly old man named Scrooge (George C. Scott) is visited by spirits of Christmas past, present, and future. Through these transformative visits, Scrooge's heart is opened, and he rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas and compassion. Rated PG, you can find it on Hulu or Disney+.Scrooge's character arc is one of the most memorable in Christmas movie history. His transformation from a cold-hearted miser to a kind and generous man is both inspiring and heartwarming. The movie shows us that it's never too late to change and that a little bit of Christmas spirit can go a long way.
The special effects used to depict the spirits are truly remarkable, adding to the overall magic of the movie. They bring the story to life and make us believe that anything is possible on Christmas Eve.
'The Star'
A courageous donkey named Bo (Steven Yeun) and his quirky animal friends set out on a journey that makes them unsung heroes in the birth of Jesus Christ. This movie is a visual delight, with colorful animations and charming characters. Rated PG, you can watch it on Netflix.The story of Bo and his animal friends is a modern take on the Christmas story, but it still manages to capture the essence of faith and hope. It shows us that even the smallest of creatures can play an important role in God's plan.
The animation in 'The Star' is top-notch, with vivid colors and detailed backgrounds. It makes the movie a feast for the eyes and helps to engage young viewers in the story.
'Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night'
This classic telling of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ features a special performance from Andrea Bocelli and his son, Matteo Bocelli. The music adds an extra layer of beauty to the story, making it a truly memorable experience. Rated TV-PG, you can watch it on BYUtv, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, or Hulu.The performance by Andrea Bocelli and his son is simply breathtaking. Their voices bring the story to life and touch our hearts in a way that words can't. It's a reminder of the power of music to convey emotions and connect us with something greater.
The combination of the Christmas story and the beautiful music creates a magical atmosphere that is perfect for the holiday season. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves both music and faith.
'It's a Wonderful Life'
When a discouraged businessman, George Bailey (James Stewart), reaches his breaking point on Christmas Eve, a guardian angel intervenes and shows him what the world would be like without him. Through this experience, George realizes the impact he has had on the lives of those around him and rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas. Rated PG, you can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.George Bailey's character is relatable and endearing, as we all have moments when we feel like giving up. The movie shows us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and that our actions can have a profound impact on others.
The special effects used to show George's alternate reality are cleverly done and add to the emotional impact of the movie. It makes us think about the ripple effect of our actions and the importance of being kind to others.
'Journey to Bethlehem'
A Christmas musical that incorporates classic Christmas songs and new pop songs to tell the story of Mary (Fiona Palomo) and Joseph's (Milo Manheim) difficult trek to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus Christ. Rated PG, you can watch it on Netflix.The music in 'Journey to Bethlehem' is a highlight of the movie, with catchy tunes that will have you singing along. It adds a fun and festive element to the story and helps to engage viewers of all ages.
The portrayal of Mary and Joseph's journey is both moving and inspiring. It shows us the hardships they faced and the faith they had in God. The movie reminds us that Christmas is not just about presents and decorations but about the birth of our Savior.
'The Bishop's Wife'
Frustrated by his inability to raise money to build a grand cathedral, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) calls upon heaven for guidance. He receives immediate heavenly intervention from Dudley (Cary Grant), a charismatic angel who challenges Henry and helps restore his faith. Rated Not rated, you can watch it on Peacock or Amazon Prime Video.The story of Bishop Henry and Dudley is a unique take on the Christmas story, showing us that even those in positions of power can struggle with their faith. The movie reminds us that we all need a little help sometimes and that God is always there to guide us.
The chemistry between David Niven and Cary Grant is palpable, making their scenes together a joy to watch. It shows us the power of friendship and how it can help us through difficult times.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
While in search of a deeper meaning of Christmas than commercialism, Charlie Brown is assigned to direct his school's Christmas pageant. This movie is a classic that has touched the hearts of generations. Rated G, you can watch it on Apple TV.Charlie Brown's journey in 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' is one of self-discovery and growth. He learns that Christmas is not about material things but about the love and kindness we show to others. The movie is a reminder that we should always strive to find the true meaning of Christmas.
The simplicity of the story and the beautiful animation make 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' a timeless classic. It has become a part of our Christmas traditions and will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.