“Christmas on the Big Screen1”

“Behold…”

Throughout the Christmas story we hear this word…”Behold”.  It is said to Mary by the angel.  It is said to Joseph in a vision.  It is proclaimed by a choir of heavenly hosts to the shepherds!

“Behold!”

This word sets the stage for a revelation.  It is getting the audience’s attention because there is something special about to happen.  Stop what you are doing!  You are going to want to see this.  This is what you have been waiting for!  You don’t want to miss it!  On the stage it is shouted by the emcee, “Ladies and Gentlemen”!  In NASCAR it is, “Start your engines!”  In the 100 yard dash  it is, “On your marks”.  In the movie theater it is the dimming of the lights and the start of the music.  In eternity it is…”BEHOLD!”

Throughout the entire Old Testament the prophets have prepared us for the “coming”…”Advent” of the Messiah.  The Savior who would come to restore fellowship between Creator and Creation!  The Scripture is filled with dreams and visions and prophesies that lead us into the theater for the presentation of this blessed event.  As we settle into our seats the lights begin to dim and the  four Gospels serve as the stage for the greatest story ever told!

“Behold!”

Since then the story has been repeated many times in many ways.  Through traditions, music, books, and on the big screen the message of Christmas has been heralded.  Yes, it is true that many of the stories have strayed from the main story and gone off on “holiday hoobiddywhatie” (to quote the Grinch).  We are overwhelmed with the reindeer, snowmen, Santas, etc and the true story, we fear, is lost.

Well, as we celebrate Advent together over the next few weeks in this blog we will look at the messages in some of the most popular Christmas movies.  I believe that the reason these holiday films are so popular is that even the most unbelieving in our world acknowledge that there is something special…something they can’t put their finger on…something supernatural about Christmas!

It is my hope that we will be able to have some fun and also see how many of our favorite movies have messages that can remind us of the first story…the long awaited story…the true story that was told over 2000 years ago and began with…

BEHOLD!

I invite you to join me in this Advent journey over the next 25 days and use this time to begin the preparation and anticipation of your own Christmas tradition.  It will be here before you know it.  So settle into your seat with your popcorn and…”Lights, camera, action!”