Movie Viewing that Captures the Christmas Spirit

I have been, or can be if you click on a link and make a purchase, compensated via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value for writing this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

With Christmas only a week away, I thought I would feature two films that really epitomize the Christmas spirit to me.  I have a few others I’d love to share and just might do that as part of the 40 Days of Seeking Him meme.

 

It’s a Wonderful Life

This is a perennial favorite of many.  I’ve loved this film since I was a young lass and can still remember my sisters surprising me with it on VHS one Christmas morning. 

 

I know they have a colorized version, but I’m a B&W purist for this one! For years, it has aired on Christmas Eve and I’ve occasionally watched it on broadcast TV while wrapping the presents. However, I now have a copy on DVD that can come out and be watched on my own schedule. This story never fails to stir feelings of gratitude for all in my life.

 

My Synopsis ~ George Baily finds himself wishing for a different life as so many things have gone ‘wrong’ recently.   Along the way, the viewer gets to see snippets from George’s life before his contemplated suicide with intervention by Clarence.  With the help of an angel, Clarence, he is able to see how different (and worse off) life would be for those he loves if he had never been born.

I found this great film trailer on You Tube that was made for a class project.  It really captures so much of the film.

 

 

The Nativity Story

I feel like Christmas really needs to have a film that tells the Christmas story in a compelling manner.  I was thrilled when The Nativity came on the scene.  While some might not consider it a great work of art, I appreciate the telling of the first Christmas. 

 

I haven’t watched this movie in a couple years, but feel a tug to find it at the local video store for this Christmas.  While there are many feel good films, I have a yearning for something that puts the focus upon the true meaning of Christmas.  I recognize that there is some artistic license in this film, but figure we only have what is written in Scripture to go from and not all the conversations and actions that might have happened.  Overall, I thought the movie did a fine job portraying Biblical events and showed some of the humanity behind the story.

 

For those who might not have seen this film, here’s the original film trailer to give you a sense of the style used.

 

 

 

Which film (or films) do you find capture the Christmas Spirit for you?

 

This post has been submitted for inclusion in The Christian Home Issue 42 hosted here.  

As the featured columnist for the Movies and Music category, you can be looking forward to weekly posts on what we are watching or music we’ve enjoyed. 

 

Feel free to leave suggestions for me as well that are family friendly or uplifting for adults.  While I have movies and some music selections in mind, I’m always on the lookout for other great choices.