“I always believed in God. I didn’t know He believed in me.” ~Matt Maher, who sings “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” in the movie
I have friends who have not been feeling the Christmas spirit this year. It seems just out of reach kind of like the Olympic Mountains… beautiful but you must cross the Sound to be close to them. If you need the kind of comfort that lasts longer than a candy cane stirred in a mug of cocoa, I encourage you to go to the movies.
For the first time in my life, I raised my hands in a movie theater. In that one deliberate act, I felt so many uncertainties flee. The phrase “Go to the mattresses” was coined in one iconic film. It means “Go to war,” which I learned from watching the movie You’ve Got Mail. Go see Christmas with the Chosen ~ the Messengers, and you are going into battle. Worship is an act of war! As the timeless Christmas carols and hymns you cherish wash over you, joy will come like a rising tide… for the Bible promises, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” As you listen to the soul-stirring monologues, you’ll be picking up a sword, the Word of God. It will help you slay those doubts that creep in like cold weather that seeps into your bones.
You’ll travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph and feel as though you yourself are moving from darkness to light, from feeling pangs of hopelessness… to life. As the donkey clops along, as Mary cries out in pain and praise, as Joseph’s eyes fill with compassion, you’ll be picking up the shield of faith, remembering why you believe what you believe. It’s all there for us to re-discover.
The Son of God was born into a stable crammed with the messy… animal droppings, straw for a bed, and parents who were new and clinging to the promises of heaven with sweaty hands. Jesus has always been willing to be in the mess with us. He answered the desperate cries of every human being who ever lived with a cry of His own. The God who made the star that hung over Bethlehem, sent His son to be Emmanuel… God with us! Allow the Star Maker to astonish you again and thrill you with hope.” He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” You are worth everything to Him… remember?
The hope is there in your heart dear one… it needs only to be re-kindled with the Truth, fanned into flame with God’s love, and tended by the words of angelic messengers “Be not afraid.”
If you’re looking for the Christmas spirit this year, you will find it in a place that smells like popcorn.
You can search for a location near you and get tickets from Fathom Events. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see any of The Chosen episodes, you can watch them free online. Season 1 is on YouTube as well.
