I am a sucker for Christmas movies.  Back when I originally wrote this post, I relied on the Thanksgiving newspaper to give me the schedule for upcoming Christmas movies, so I could set my DVR. As I update this post, I simply check Netflix, my Hallmark channel, or YouTube to find my favorites and watch anytime I have a minute or two.

For many years now, it is painfully obvious that Christ is no longer the center of a typical Christmas movie. Not surprising, but pretty disturbing. Way back in the old days, Christmas movies had a glimmer of religious Christmas carols and spiritual purpose. They talked about the Christmas Spirit, being granted second chances, accepting this warning and having a change of heart; i.e. A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life.

These are movies not to be missed during the holiday season. A personal favorite is A Muppet’s Christmas Carol, clearly not religious, but a whole lot of fun, and great music, with maybe a glimmer…okay maybe not. My favorite is the one with George C. Scott. Jacob Marley is so intense and desperate in that version, who wouldn’t stop, listen, and learn?

Some movies have absolutely no religion in them at all, but they are full of good hearts and service toward fellow men. These movies are often tear jerkers and I enjoy a flood of them; i.e. White Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, etc. Nowadays, if a movie has a Christmas tree in it, it counts as a Christmas movie regardless of the plot.

What I find interesting though, is that Christmas now seems to be all about Romance. I ask you, what does Romance have to do with Christmas? Most of the movies are cheesy and pretty lame. I guess happiness is what everyone is after. Very noble and important, but clearly the true meaning of Christmas has been completely lost.

Now we have to search for Christmas. The reason for the season. The very person we celebrate this holiday.  I am so happy when I actually hear religious music being played at Christmas time. Yea to the Choir Directors who insist on breaking the present “secular” school rules.

As much as we love those sappy Hallmark movies, and old classics, the best way to enjoy the season is to turn the TV off and get out and serve others so they can have a genuine change of heart. And we can all watch the miracle unfold and comment, “Now, that would make a great movie!”