Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.– Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) The Polar Express has been a family favorite for years. It’s fun to put on our Christmas jammies, pour some hot chocolate and watch this classic children’s story come to life on the big screen. Over the […]
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Jesus used stories (parables) to explain complex truths and cast a vision for what could be. There is something uniquely human about telling stories. We use them to warn, to learn from, to remember, and to celebrate. For this Advent devotional, our writers selected a Christmas film, cartoon, or TV episode that impacted them and offered insight into important aspects of life. God didn’t make us all the same; so, our paths to him are all different, giving us unique perspectives…even in what we notice when watching the same films.
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And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11 (KJV) I never took myself to be a fan […]
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) I love Christmas. The traditions and memories made are some of the brightest reflections of my whole life, but–let’s admit it–the fast pace of family gatherings, caroling, shopping, and general celebratory chaos […]
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.– Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) “Marley was dead, to begin with.” This is the classic opening line of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a story that has been made into more than 100 movies since the book was written in 1843. My own earliest memory is of […]
All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.All things are lawful, but not all things build up.– 1 Corinthians 10:23 (ESV) I love watching the classics for Christmas. Have you heard of The Bishop’s Wife? It was released in 1948, starred Cary Grant, and was nominated for five Oscars. Don’t feel bad; I […]
Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? – Luke 15:4 (NIV) Have you ever felt sad, hurt, or depressed? Maybe it was due to not getting the job you applied for, […]
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16 (NIV) As a child, I always looked forward to watching the beloved story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In the movie, we see the Grinch filled […]
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) When I was seven years old, I was sure God had given me a Christmas gift. In my defense, I’d just learned to read, and the tag on the huge dancing doll underneath the Christmas tree […]
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”– Luke 6:38 (NIV) Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his films, like The Terminator and Kindergarten Cop, but one of Arnold’s […]
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid… ~ Luke 2: 8-14 (KJV) It is easy to think of A […]
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! – Matthew 7:11 (NIV) A Christmas Story is a nostalgic comedy set in the 1940s that centers on a young boy named Ralphie Parker. […]
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) Growing up in Michigan, we had white Christmases almost every year. On Christmas morning, the fireplace was lit, the smell of cinnamon rolls filled the air, and a blanket of snow covered the ground outside. When […]
When December arrives each year, I give myself full permission to open the holiday floodgates to celebrate and consume all things Christmas. And every year, I find myself gravitating to Elf. It’s sentimental, just the right amount of silly, and full of Christmas spirit—all the best ingredients for a holiday film.
Whenever we do an At the Movies series, some people have mixed feelings about it. The series is fun, and it might be easy to invite a friend, sure, but should we really devote so much message time to movies? Should we be watching movies in church at all? I understand questions and concerns like that. Here is what I tell people: Movies are stories that our culture tells itself.