Christmas Movies that Inspire
Over the years songs, TV shows and movies have been used to inspire and encourage people. And, for as long as I can remember, ministers from a variety of different positions have been using these as key illustrations to help communicate about Christ to people. I do the same and have even compiled a selection video illustrations on YouTube that you can use in your lessons, if you desire.
As it is Christmas time, there are a lot of great Christmas movies and specials that you can use to help communicate messages of hope to people today. Here are a few that stand out to me.
It’s a Wonderful Life. This is a classic movie that has a great message and is a personal favorite. It is a message of hope that can be used to communicate about sacrifice (George Bailey helping so many people), community (the families coming together to support George and his family) and self-worth (we all struggle with this from time to time as did George). Sure, it is an old movie, but there are great messages in this movie.
Elf. This is a new classic that can be used in a variety of ways. People have lost their Christmas spirit and joy until Buddy the Elf came around. Through a variety of situations (too many to count or single out) you can use this movie that will have people people laughing a lot as well as identifying with the themes of joy, hope, love, forgiveness and believing in something bigger than yourself.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Kindness matters. Whether you watch the live action or the animated special or movie, you will see how a Cindy Lou Who’s act of kindness impacted the Grinch’s heart and how that made a difference in his life. How we treat others can make an impact as well and you can use this to help communicate that.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. While not technically a movie, it is still a legendary Christmas special that has a wonderful message. Whether it is talking about how words impact us (Rudolph was constantly made fun of) or how there is a King who cares for the land of misfit toys, we can communicate how to treat others and how we have a King (Jesus) that cares for us, no matter how much of a misfit we may feel.
A Charlie Brown Christmas. Just like Rudolph, while not a movie, it is a classic Christmas special. Here Charlie Brown and the gang put on a Christmas performance but lose sight of the meaning of Christmas. Charlie Brown has a breakdown and wonders what that meaning is. Linus, in this classic scene, shares the birth of Christ to everyone. We can use this scene to help communicate the real meaning of Christmas to those we are ministering to.
A Christmas Story. This movie is such a classic that TBS and TNT do 24 consecutive hours of the movie from Christmas Eve through Christmas day. You can use it to talk about how to handle peer pressure (the flag pole tongue scene) or how you handle getting in trouble (Ralphie saying “oh fudge” and getting in trouble and then throwing his friend under the bus).
Love, Actually. I enjoy the movie and there is a lot not appropriate themes to use here. However, one theme that keeps getting reiterated throughout the movie is the phrase, “because it’s Christmas…”. People use it to share the truth about a situation, “because it’s Christmas”. Again, people use this phrase for many inappropriate actions but you can also use this theme to share about the Truth of Christ to others “because it’s Christmas”. It’s a good lead in to the best story every told.
The Christmas season is a special time of year and these Christmas specials and movies can really bring some joy and excitement to people. These are some of my favorite Christmas movies and specials for various reasons. While they are some of my favorite because they are great holiday movies or specials, they are also truly inspiring ones with a great message that can be used to communicate the hope and love of Christ to those you are ministering to each and every holiday season.
If you would like to get MORE Christmas ideas for how you can minister to your team and those in your community this Christmas, check out the Countdown to Christmas List.
What are your favorite Christmas movies and how do they inspire you? Share it below or on social media using #ymsidekick when you share.
Want to learn digital tools to expand your reach in ministry? Join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group!
