In a quandary about what to post, I sat down in front of the TV and turned on the Hallmark Channel. The movies are similar with only slight variations. But one part that never varies is the ending. Of course, the “happily ever after” ending never happens in real life, but it’s Hallmark’s story and they are sticking to it.
The movie this night is like the others. The woman makes choices that catapult her into an exciting career but at the sacrifice of love and family. Through magic, a wizard, or a time machine, she finds herself in a different life, without the career focus. Of course, she falls in love with the fantasy and wants the picket fence with 2.5 kids and a loving husband.
The world to which the leading lady is transferred is picture perfect. She has great friends, a lovely home, exemplary kids, and a husband that loves her dearly. Do you ever notice they don’t even need to diet? They eat out all the time, devouring cakes, cookies, and candy all the while remaining incredibly skinny and fit! You might disagree and point to the problems thrown in now and then, but they’re quite easily resolved and usually don’t have long-term consequences.
Of course, this time of year, the focus of the movies is Christmas. Most of the themes are about a person who hates Christmas, usually due to a bad experience that happened near or on the holiday. The reasons these individuals hate the holiday, range from disappointment in Santa to a tragic death. Sometimes the person was dumped on Christmas. Who does that?
Okay, you say, the movies aren’t realistic. The plots and endings are predictable at best. But we watch these shows for light-hearted entertainment and a brief escape from the problems of life and stresses of the holiday season.
I agree one hundred percent; that is why I watch these shows too. However, I have noticed a very disturbing theme developing in recent years. Every year the Christmas movies are becoming more secular. Usually, the person who hates Christmas because of a bad past experience meets someone who loves the holiday; and thus a rehab program begins. The character conducting the rehab shows the Christmas hater the error of his or her ways. Of course, it always works and the Christmas hater learns to celebrate again. However, the lesson rarely, if ever, includes Jesus.
To see what I mean let’s take a look at some of the Hallmark movies shown during the last few years.
Christmas Magic: A workaholic woman with disappointing childhood holidays dies. She becomes an angel with the assignment of bringing music back into Christmas for a widower. (Don’t get me started on how angels are portrayed in movies. That’s a future blog post.) Of course, the two fall in love and she successfully brings music back into his life. How do an angel and human connect romantically? She is not really dead but in a coma!
Fir Crazy: A workaholic woman loses her job and returns to the family business of growing and selling Christmas trees. Her memories of childhood Christmases are depressing, but a man she meets helps her reflect on the good memories and fun she had as a child. Not only is her relationship with her parents healed, but her love life is a picture of health too.
NorthPole: The Christmas spirit is dying and Santa will no longer be able to bring Christmas unless his helper revitalizes the spirit of Christmas through one child. Of course, the spirit of Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus but is all about Santa. Yes, Christmas is saved.
A Christmas Detour: A woman with a positive attitude towards Christmas is stranded (due to weather conditions) with a Christmas hater. The woman’s rehabilitation efforts focus on helping the man to forgive those who hurt him and enjoy family time. Of course, she is successful and love blooms at the holiday once again.
I’m Not Ready for Christmas: An elf wants to know if there is more to life than what the North Pole offers. So Santa sends her to be a nanny for parents who are too focused on their business to create traditions for their children. Of course, the elf solves the family problems and falls in love with an earthling. Santa makes her human and they marry. Of course, they live happily ever after!
The Christmas Ornament: A young widow can’t decorate for Christmas because the tree ornaments had special meaning to her and her deceased husband. A new man in her life brings back her decorating spirit, and all is well.
So, according to these movies, here’s what needs to be restored in the life of the Christmas hater: music, childhood memories, Santa, family hurts, traditions, and decorations. These themes are played repeatedly with different characters and settings.
What’s missing? Maybe the real reason we celebrate Christmas! The true meaning of Christmas is ignored. Rarely is Jesus mentioned, let alone made the focal point of the Christmas hater’s rehab. Occasionally, the characters attend a Christmas Eve service, but in the more recent movies, they don’t even give this nod to Jesus.
With all the busyness of the season, I sometimes feel like I’m not much better than the movies. Sure, I go to Christmas Eve service, but is that my nod to Jesus? How much time do I give to the Lord during the holiday, or even during the year? Where’s my focus? Perhaps I need a Christmas rehab, one that focuses on the reason for the season.
Unfortunately, like the movies, we romanticize Christmas too. Think how we complain at the end of a pregnancy. We usually stay close to home for a quick trip to a nice sterile environment for the birth. But Mary couldn’t stay home. She made an uncomfortable trip of about 100 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It probably took eight to ten days by foot, and if they chose the shorter route, it was very rough terrain. It must have been extremely difficult.
The young couple arrived and was anticipating a much-needed rest, only to find there was no room in the inn. We know Jesus was laid in a manger, which is a feeding trough for horses or cattle. We assume they were in a stable, but we don’t know for sure. However, we can assume there were animals around and it probably was dark, dank and unpleasant.
No doubt God, the Father, was present, providing comfort. However, it must have been a grueling experience for this young couple. Our nativity scenes don’t do the circumstances justice. At this juncture, Mary and Joseph didn’t feel the Hallmark “happily ever after.”
OR DID THEY?
After reading the Christmas story again, I have changed my perspective on the happily ever after. No, I haven’t lost my mind, I know that our lives aren’t perfect and our relationships will have rocky times. There will be financial stress, work problems, disappointments, health issues, and prodigal children. But Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection do provide perfect life. No, we won’t experience it now, but what could be more “happily ever after” than eternity with Jesus?
So this year, take time to be awe-inspired and focused on the heart of Christmas. We should be amazed and overcome with gratitude when recognizing the gift of Jesus Christ.
Of course, I will still watch the schmaltzy movies with my husband. Yes, he watches chick flicks. I know I’m blessed. These shows provide relaxing entertainment during a busy and stressful time of year. But when we get to the “happily ever after” ending, I will see it a little differently. Thank you, Jesus, for sacrificing so we can have a “happily ever after” with You.
Under comments, please name your favorite Christmas movie or chick flick. More importantly, share some of the ways you and your family keep Jesus in Christmas. Of course, don’t forget the devotions. The Word of the Week is “Listen.” It is surprising how much the Bible has to say about this important act of love to others. The children are reviewing 2 Samuel and their devotional focuses on true repentance.
Have a great week. See you next time.
I had the opportunity to take my grandchildren to see a “big screen” movie at the theater on Friday. We saw The Star, an animated and dramatized rendition of the Journey to Bethlehem, complete with personified animals, etc. This was a privilege for me, because my g-babe’s dad (my son-in-law) claims to be an atheist and has in the past been adamant that I not share with his kids my Christian beliefs. The movie was cute, entertaining and gave me an opening to add my commentary and thereby, disciple my grandkids on some level. The “happy ending” I am thrilled about is that God used this movie to help open doors for deeper conversations and understandings in my family. The Lord will use whatever means to further His purposes.
If we wait patiently God provides opportunities. I am praying The Star will reach many children who never hear the true story of Christmas. Thanks for the commenting.
I love the movie “The Grinch that Stole Christmas”! I also really like the movie “Elf”! But the comforting thing about these movies is that there is a message, and it is the true message of the season, the birth of Jesus.
Love hearing about other people’s favorite movies. Hopefully, it will give other readers some ideas.
THe thing we do that I feel is helps me stay focused is our advent calendar. Each day is a little devotional thought and verse. I have to laugh, if we turn the TV to Hallmark, I’m like glued, I can’t do anything but watch even though I know how ridiculous these movies are. It’s terrible!!! I think they are a danger zone for me! Best Christmas movie for me is The Nativity Story and for kids the veggie tales Christmas and Superbook Christmas are great! Glad to hear THe Star was good!
I know I had to limit my Hallmark watching. I think we don’t focus enough on Advent. It is a great way to get children ready for Christmas. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite Christmas move is Christmas Vacation. I always talked with my children and now my grandsons that the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus and that it is his birthday that we celebrate. Always bake a Christmas tree shaped cake and we sing happy birthday to Jesus. This also gives me opportunity to share why Jesus is the best gift that one can receive.
I never did the birthday cake for Jesus, but I think it is a good idea. It is a great way to explain to children why we celebrate Christmas.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
3d mink individual lashes https://peatix.com/event/423196/view?k=67c25edacb972db753254752ef389c91996ac03b
This piece of writing will assist the internet people for setting up new website or even a blog from start to end.
neodymium magnets n52 strength https://wallinside.com/post-64615361-things-you-should-take-into-consideration-before-purchasing-crusher-parts.html
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
animal onesies nz http://jamekitelinger.blogrip.com/2018/08/21/kinds-of-designs-you-can-use-onesies-for-adults/
Thank you to get discussing that effortlessly us you really recognize what you are preaching about! Added video youtube terbaru. Nicely also consult with this site Equals). We will possess a web page link different long term contract in between us all
I get pleasure from, lead to I found just what I used to be taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
stitch costume https://jillkristin.jouwweb.be/tips-to-follow-when-purchasing-onesies-for-adults-online
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
Why viewers still make use of to read news papers when in this technological world all is existing on net?
Kim Telch http://bbs.85755119.com/space-uid-81923.html
Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
animal print onesies for kids http://tobystrohbehn.withtank.com/onesieshow-app/2018/08/29/let-me-present-you-to-animal-onesies-in-detail/
Wow! After all I got a blog from where I know how to really obtain valuable facts concerning my study and knowledge.
cookie monster onesie https://wellpajamas-club.webnode.com/unicorn-onesie-really-interesting-as-well-as-appropriate-for-house-use/
There is certainly a great deal to find out about this issue. I love all of the points you made.
確実ã«å±Šãスーパーコピー http://www.sirensofchrome.com/sirens/?p=636
Your blog on Happily Ever After – WSC Test Site is awesome. I hope you can continue delivering many more article soon. Long live wsc.madestronger.com
I will right away grab your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me recognize so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
スーパーコピーブランド https://www.tanybox.fr/tag/tv/
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
スーパーコピー代引ã安心 http://www.oumma.be/contact
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
スーパーコピー 代引ã対応 http://www.oumma.be/?start=5
Fastidious answers in return of this question with solid arguments and describing all concerning that.
Andre Roeber https://njgoldcoast.com/x/author/vernitasiev
Another person actually help to make drastically articles or blog posts I’d personally declare. This can be a first time My partner and i frequented your online site and as much as right now? I personally astonished with all the analysis you’ve made in making that publish amazing.. rekomendasi saham indonesia Excellent course of action!
Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.
スーパーコピー財布 http://minsoctrud.astrobl.ru/events
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
ロレックススーパーコピー http://lvi.rtu.lv/administracija
of course much like your internet site nevertheless you have to do the spelling about several of your site content.. aplikasi android prediksi saham terkini A lot of them are generally filled using spelling problems so i locating it extremely bothersome to make sure the facts however I am going to definitely revisit all over again.
Appreciation for another informative website. The spot more might I am getting in which type of details written in this best method? I’ve a project that I’m merely now running for, and I’ve been in the design out and about for similarly info.. pilkada
I visited various sites however the audio feature for audio songs existing at this web site is really wonderful.
salvatore ferragamo uk website http://rulogistika.com/user/AhmadWilbanks/
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely feel this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the advice!
What’s up, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, as this point in time i am reading this impressive educational paragraph here at my house.
Hi there pleasant web-site! Man. Excellent.. aplikasi berita saham 2019 Great. I’m going to search for your website along with make feeds additionally? I will be thankful to find a number of helpful tips listed here while in the post, we end up needing work out excess strategies within this value, appreciation for giving.