“EVERY TIME I GO TO A MOVIE, IT’S MAGIC, NO MATTER WHAT THE MOVIE’S ABOUT.”-Steven Spielberg
We all cherish stories. Even Jesus knows this as that was the primary way of teaching. Movies are one of the world’s favorite mediums for telling stories. They make us laugh, cry, fear, cheer, and think. Christmas movies are especially loved by audiences and usually render viewings every year. Films like Home Alone, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and many others capture our hearts and imaginations. ( I also suggest the new film by Dallas Jenkins that just came out this year, “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever.” It is fantastic. ) The reflection of the spirit of the season can be witnessed in Christmas movies, sharing stories about family, being alone, choosing to believe, changing your heart, and, most importantly, discovering the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you, Linus, for that.
This season, we have been hard at work putting together a series incorporating preaching, movie clips, filmmaking, live drama, and so much more. Christmas At the Movies is not meant to just entertain people but to share the Gospel in a fresh and invigorating manner. Many new people have come and have heard the Good News for maybe the first time, or at least in a manner that has been enlightening to them. Each episode has been engaging so much so that “you could hear a pen drop”. One person so far has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior! Now, that’s good news worth celebrating!
As you celebrate Christmas with coworkers, church members, friends, and family, where you may be watching a Christmas movie or two, be sure to reflect on the strange but true story of a baby in a manger who is still changing lives today.
If you happen to be reading this today and you have not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, you can repeat this prayer from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and admit that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I repent of my sins and turn to you for salvation. I believe in my heart that you died on the cross for my sins and rose again from the grave. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Help me to live out my days following you. In Jesus’ name, amen.