creator and director of the chosen one He said his new Christmas film calls on the church to show love and compassion to underprivileged families as they spread the gospel of Christ. The best Christmas pageant ever (PG) hits theaters on November 8 and tells the story of the Hardman brothers, notorious troublemakers. They cause a stir when they unexpectedly win all the major roles in the town's beloved Christmas pageant.
Based on the classic book by Barbara Robinson and directed by chosen Creator Dallas Jenkins.
Jenkins said she cried when she read the book to her children for the first time.
“About 20 years ago, my wife picked it up from Pottery Barn,” he told Crosswalk Headlines. “…so when I put the kids to bed and start reading it, I immediately laugh. I'm immediately captivated. It's so witty, so smart, so unique. And early on, I thought, “This is so funny.'' I believe this is the story of Jesus, and this is the story of the church.”
The story was “more Jesus-like” than he remembered.
“Well, the book is coming to an end and the pageant is about to begin, and I'm just crying,” he said. “So I gave it to my wife, Amanda, and she was reading it and she was crying, so she gave it back to me. Not only do I read this book every Christmas, but I also read it to my kids. It has become a Christmas tradition for him to make fun of us because he makes me cry every time. ”
Jenkins pursued the rights to the film and finally won them several years ago. the chosen one It became a viral sensation.
Initially, the pastoralists' motives are selfish, seeking sweets and attention, but they are eventually changed by the gospel message. In this story, the pastoralists are portrayed as children who are ignored at home but embraced by a small group of churchgoers.
The movie stars Judy Greer (antman) as director, Lauren Graham (gilmore girls) as narrator, Elizabeth Tabish (the chosen one) as one of the townspeople. Kirk BR Waller (the chosen one) depicts a pastor.
Jenkins said the film has several messages for the church.
“I think there's an important message in this movie about understanding people you don't normally meet, people coming to church for the first time, people coming from the wrong direction, people living in poverty. judge and really, really try to understand [them]”Perhaps there is a point of view of them in the story of Christmas that our or suburban American point of view might miss or take for granted,” Jenkins said.
Another message came from troublemaker Imogene Hardman, who protests that the church is all about “Jesus,” Jenkins said. He said her childish complaint was actually a compliment.
“How wonderful it is to be part of a church where everything here is about Jesus. I hope that applies to my life as well,” he said. “I hope that’s the case in every church I’m a part of.”
The film's central message is the gospel, he added.
“Those are the last words of the movie: 'A child is born to you.' That's ultimately the message…Jesus came to earth for you,” Jenkins said. Ta. “That's the message that comes across in this movie in a comedic way, but it also comes across in a very emotional and spiritual way in this movie.”
The film will be released on November 2nd for early access screenings. special deals: Get one free child ticket with every adult ticket purchased.
Photo credit: ©Allen Fraser/Lionsgate
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
