Community of Christ - Emporia Ministry
  • About Us
    • Enduring Principles
    • Mission Initiatives
    • What is Church?
    • Who is Jesus Christ?
  • Worship
  • Activities
  • Online Ministry
    • Latter-day Seekers
    • Spiritual Formation
  • Resources
    • CofChrist Planned Giving
  • #70craigblog
  • Contact Us

70CraigBlog: Blogging about
faith, ​spirituality and discipleship.

The 6 Best Christmas Movies and the Spiritual Messages They Send

12/2/2019

0 Comments

 
It's that time of year again! Yep that's right, get the popcorn out, make the hot chocolate, and start the fire as you put on a classic Christmas movie. There's not much better than watching the movies we have seen over and over again which still evoke memories and emotions connecting us to the Christmas season. Christmas movies help us remember our loved ones both past and present in our lives and focus us on the true meaning of the holiday. The movies also give us spiritual messages to incorporate in our lives.


So let's look closer at the 6 best Christmas movies and the spiritual messages we can receive from them this holiday season.  


#6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Dr. Seuss)
Picture
Of course we start here! What better story than how the Grinch found love for himself and others. This realization helps us all know that ultimately its not about us this Christmas season. Selfishness and greed are very real parts of the world. We must evaluate our thoughts and motives to make sure they are what's best for the community, not just ourselves.


There is a purpose behind the holiday that brings us together as a community to sing, laugh, and give thanks. The Who's accepted the Grinch with loving arms without reservation. And so are we called to this season to be inclusive with those around us inviting them to experience the living Christ in their lives. The Grinch was able to change because this radical love that persisted over his desire for material things.

​
Message: Focusing on others, not yourself brings joy


​#5. Miracle on 34th St. 
Picture
This classic always makes the top list because of its positive, uplifting message. It makes us check our greedy thoughts at the door and reminds us there is something greater than ourselves. Faith is inextricably linked to belief. This film helps us recognize that believing can make all the difference in our lives. Believing opens our heart to possibilities and the mystery of the divine. So believe and know there is something more than meets the eye. The birth of Jesus gives us all something to believe in this season.

​
Message: Faith makes miracles possible


​#4. Elf
Picture
This newer Christmas classic keeps you smiling throughout the film. It evokes happiness and joy as we laugh at the goofy idea and antics of Will Ferrell's character. In todays fast paced world this movie strikes home telling us to be aware of how we are investing our time. Our focus on obligations and responsibilities pulls us away from the real things that matter in this world. Elf tells us its ok to say no as we turn our time and focus to what really matters. Figuring that out is the challenge left for you.  

​
Message: Find what matters in life to you and hold it close


​#3. The Christmas Story 
Picture
"I just won a major award!" The Christmas Story is either a movie you love or hate. Either way the movie takes you through the life of a boy named Ralphie who faces many dilemmas, challenges, and situations throughout the flick. The hilarious experiences Ralphie goes through gives him an array of emotions to which he has to manage. I believe this film speaks to how there is so much to learn in life through experience. Experiences shape who we are and who we are to be. We learn and become wiser as we live through the decisions we make in life. Through all of this God is always with us. We are never separated from the divine presence.

​
Message: Life is to be experienced, go out and enjoy it


​#2. Christmas Vacation
Picture
Clark Griswold's perfect Christmas is shredded to pieces with the unusual and unfortunate events that transpire. However in the end he recognized the gift of truly being with family or those you care about despite all else. The Christmas season is meant to be shared with others. Whether its sledding, decorating lights, or drinking eggnog this movie reminds us how important it is to spend the holidays with people. So go be with someone you care about or invite them to do something.  


Message: Share the holiday season by being with others


​#1. It's a Wonderful Life 
Picture
​The angel Clarence says to George Bailey, "Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" This classic takes us on a roller coaster as we learn how a life can impact another's. George Bailey needed this experience to help him see the meaning behind his life. I hope all of us can find that meaning and purpose in our lives. Believing we have a purpose creates hope even if we don't know what it is. It helps us search spiritually to continually find where God is placing me and what God is asking me to do. We create meaning by loving others and doing what is needed in the moment. I hope this Christmas season you find meaning through your love of others.  

​
Message: By loving others we impact their life in unforeseen ways

Merry Christmas! I pray that you all find the divine in your life this Christmas season! 

​
This week watch your favorite Christmas Movie!
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Seventy Craig Hidy

    Author

    Craig Hidy like the majority of ministers in Community of Christ is a bi-vocational, self sustaining ordained minister.  He is a member of the Midlands Mission Center Emporia Team and an ordained Seventy.  He and his family, live in Topeka, Kansas.


    ​Please Note
    The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Community of Christ. We believe individuals should be allowed to have their own opinions and be at different places in their faith journey.

    Categories

    All
    Abolish Poverty End Suffering
    All Are Called
    Blessings Of Community
    Continuing Revelation
    Develop Disciples To Serve
    Experience Congregations In Mission
    Faith
    Grace And Generosity
    Guest Blogger
    Hope
    Invite People To Christ
    Joy
    Love
    Prayer
    Pursue Peace On Earth
    Responsible Choices
    Sacredness Of Creation
    Spiritual Practice
    Unity In Diversity
    Worth Of All Persons

    Archives

    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018

    RSS Feed

Emporia Ministry
c/o Midlands Mission Center
7615 North Platte Purchase Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64118
Phone: (816) 221-4450
Picture
Copyright Midlands Mission Center 2022
Latter-day Seekers Resources
International Headquarters
Community of Christ

1001 West Walnut
Independence, Missouri 64050
Phone: (816) 833–1000 or (800) 825–2806
  • About Us
    • Enduring Principles
    • Mission Initiatives
    • What is Church?
    • Who is Jesus Christ?
  • Worship
  • Activities
  • Online Ministry
    • Latter-day Seekers
    • Spiritual Formation
  • Resources
    • CofChrist Planned Giving
  • #70craigblog
  • Contact Us