After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2: 1–2 (NIV) The three magi, (wise men) are almost always […]
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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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One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) A Christmas tradition I started with my family years ago was picking a night, making popcorn, and watching White Christmas together. With all the hustle and bustle—the kids’ parties, shopping, work […]
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Matthew 10:29–31 (ESV) I’ll never forget the year I missed the […]
As everyone has received a gift, even so serve one another with it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. – 1 Peter 4:10 (MEV) As a child, there was nothing more thrilling than watching Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Christmas time, a story I later discovered was written by a Montgomery Ward […]
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." – Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) Growing up, I felt a deep connection to the story of The Velveteen Rabbit. For years, I believed I needed to please others to gain acceptance. I felt I couldn’t be myself and still […]
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33 (NIV) There are so many iconic images and moments in the beloved classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas. One I specifically love is when Charlie Brown […]
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4 (ESV) Every year, Christmas with the Kranks is a movie that fills our living room with laughter, sentimental memories, and tears. At the start of the film, Luther and Nora Krank say goodbye to their daughter […]
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. – Isaiah 53:2 (NIV) I love the quintessential ‘90s Home Alone movies and still watch the original almost every year. The sequel, Home Alone 2, isn’t quite as good, but I love the theme in […]
I am with you always, even to the end of the age.– Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) Does anyone else feel like a kid again watching eight-year-old Kevin wake up Home Alone in his house at Christmas? “I made my family disappear,” he boasts with an iconic eyebrow raise. As the new man of the house, Kevin […]
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.– Philippians 4: 6–7 (NIV) I unashamedly fall into the category of folks who gladly watch […]
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 […]
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.