Five Christmas films that have a surprising Christian message

Like many households, one of my family’s favourite Christmas traditions is to snuggle up in front of the fire to watch a Christmas film. There are so many Christmas films now, it’s common to find whole channels dedicated to showing them 24 hours a day. But not many of these films actually reference the birth of Jesus.

They do have one thing in common, though, and that’s the feel-good factor. And if you look a little closer, that’s because many carry biblical themes that reflect the joy and hope found in the teachings of the Bible.

Here are my top five Christmas films to watch this holiday season:

1. For a reminder of God’s purpose: It’s A Wonderful Life  (1946; rated USA: PG, UK: U)

A Christmas classic that is regularly rated as people’s favourite Christmas film, this movie brings a nostalgic inner warmth to festive film nights. The protagonist George Bailey is overwhelmed by family obligations and a sense of responsibility, so he contemplates suicide. There are some spiritual elements in the film as the family says prayers for George and Clarence, an unconventional angel, comes down to rescue him. But there is a much wider theme of God’s purpose for us throughout this film.

The angel shows George what the world would have been like had he never been born.

The angel shows George what the world would have been like had he never been born. He realizes the impact his life has had and how much worse his community would have been without him. It’s a powerful demonstration of the Biblical teaching that everyone’s life has value and we are all born for a reason.

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2. For seeing the joy in everyday blessings: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965, rated USA: PG, UK: U)

I’ve always loved Charlie Brown and for a cute film, A Charlie Brown Christmas has a very deep message. Charlie Brown is depressed at Christmas time and struggling to find meaning within the commercialism of it all. While he is searching for answers, his friend Linus comes alongside him and tries to help. Linus answers Charlie’s questions about the meaning of Christmas, reads the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, and encourages him. Ultimately, he inspires Charlie to spread joy with what he has– a “pathetic little tree,” as his friends call it.

The film ends with the group of friends decorating the “pathetic little tree” and making it beautiful while they sing around it. They have all discovered the deeper meaning of Christmas, and Charlie Brown has found peace and has a big smile on his face. It’s a great reminder that the Bible calls us to encourage each other and to use the gifts God has given us to spread joy and hope.

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3. For when you’re struggling to find fulfilment: The Family Man (2000; rated USA: PG-13, UK: 12)

There are more Christmas Carol adaptations than there are days in Advent, but The Family Man is a particularly good take on this classic tale. Jack Campbell is a wealthy and talented businessman living his best single life. His claim to have everything he needs leads to him being shown a glimpse of what his life would have been like had he made different choices. He is thrown into an alternative life where he prioritizes love, family and relationships over money. The joy and contentment he discovers are shocking, and he realizes his previous life was actually empty. This reflects Jesus’ teaching that God gives us everything we need and that our fulfilment is not found in worldly possessions but through our faith and how we treat each other.

4. For a picture of God’s grace: Elf (2003; rated USA and UK: PG)

When the busyness of the Christmas season gets overwhelming, the comedic antics of Buddy the giant elf are the perfect antidote to seasonal stress. Elf is another Christmas classic that doesn’t mention the birth of Jesus, but serves as a light-hearted reminder of everyone’s need for grace and redemption.

In the film, Buddy’s father, Walter, has lost his way and become heartless and mean, which causes him to be on Santa’s naughty list.

In the film, Buddy’s father, Walter, has lost his way and become heartless and mean, which causes him to be on Santa’s naughty list. The arrival of Buddy’s innocent, childlike joy helps Walter to change and understand what’s important in life. It’s a reminder that God has a plan for all of us. Even if we wander off course, it’s never too late to get back on the right path.

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5. For how our actions glorify God: The Christmas Candle (2013; rated USA: PG, UK: U)

The Christmas Candle is a picturesque period drama set at Christmas in 1890. The residents of an English hamlet believe in a Christmas miracle candle, but a progressive new minister arrives and tries to abolish old superstitions. Legend has it that every 25 years, an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle and prays before it receives a miracle on Christmas Eve.

In this story, the minister and the villagers collide, but they become united when they discover they don’t need a candle for miracles; it’s acts of kindness that create the magical moments in life. This mirrors Jesus’ teaching that as Christians, we are light in the world and through doing good deeds, we will shine even brighter and glorify God.

Of course, there are many Christmas films and media that do center around the biblical story of Christ’s birth.  If you are looking for media with Christian messaging this holiday season, I invite you to check out the ever-growing library of gospel-centered content from Jesus Film Project. Our Christmas collection makes it easy to find gospel-centered holiday content. Also, we have collaborated with BibleProject, and are proud to feature their Advent series to our library. You can access these videos and find more free resources at jesusfilm.org/watch.

*The Christmas films featured in this article are shared for entertainment purposes and don’t necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of Jesus Film Project or Cru. We hope you enjoy the holiday season and the spirit of Christmas they inspire.