Great Christmas movies often come from different genres, but film experts and casual aficionados agree that all can accomplish the same goal — reaching individuals and families with the true meaning of Christmas and creating a sense of tradition and unity during the holiday season.
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Nativity Story” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are three of film expert Carol Ann Vaughn’s favorites.
A faculty member and director of the Christian Women’s Leadership Center at Samford University in Birmingham, Vaughn has a background in American film history and has taught college courses on the subject.
She said movies can help focus the viewers’ attention on important subjects, especially during the holidays.
“During the Christmas season, movies can inspire us,” Vaughn said. “They can help us appreciate and celebrate what matters most.”
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a good example, and according to her, this is why it is one of the most widely enjoyed Christmas movies.
“It is my personal favorite that I must see several times each season,” she said.
“Its message is that genuine ‘success’ in life is not measured by one’s bank account or status, and it reminds me of many individuals in our midst whose acts of kindness make a significant difference in others’ lives.”
Jan White, attends First Baptist Church, Andalusia, in Covington Baptist Association, and is a newspaper columnist who reviews movies and deals with other popular culture issues in her regular column in the Andalusia Star-News. She shares Vaughn’s sentiments about the movie.
“It’s my favorite movie because of the life lessons it teaches: that there’s a purpose for every life, the value of community, neighbor helping neighbor and the impact of the choices we make,” White said. “It’s filled with timeless truths.”
Besides “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Vaughn said there are many other great movies with strong Christian messages to watch during holidays such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” in which the story of Jesus’ birth from the Gospel of Luke is recited.
Other classic movies recommended by Vaughn include “The Apartment,” the 1984 version of “A Christmas Carol,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story” and “The Best Christmas Paegant Ever,” which she said is great for groups and classes.
Vaughn also said several more recent movies are equally poignant and effective at sharing the Christmas story.
One example is “The Nativity Story,” a retelling of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
She said all of these movies provide great opportunities for families to come together over the holidays.
“We have an opportunity during the holidays to experience a different pace,” Vaughn said.
“We do more things indoors, and we sometimes have more time than in our regular routines to watch movies, especially with other people.”
One of the challenges for families, however, is to realize that many Christmas movies can present questionable themes — especially to younger viewers.
“I would encourage parents to monitor their children’s television and media viewing to be careful that kids receive a Christian interpretation of Christmas,” said J.T. Wright, minister to families at Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Mobile, in Mobile Baptist Association.
“Too often the secular version of ‘Christmas spirit’ hinges on giving and being with family. While these are laudable values, they fall way short of the true meaning of Christmas."
Wright and Vaughn also cautioned parents about the content in some of the more Christian-based films.
Even classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” can be troubling for some viewers, they explained.
“It was considered a very grown-up movie when it was released in 1946,” Vaughn said, noting it deals with a man attempting to commit suicide and “the scenes of life without him are indeed grim and scary.”
According to Wright, “The Nativity Story” is an “impressive presentation of life in the first century” and advances an understanding of the human side of the nativity but may be too intense for young children.
Whatever the movie, Wright and Vaughn both said that talking about it can be one of the best activities for families and group. It will provide opportunities for Christian growth and a better understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.
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