THE GOSPEL IN FILM — THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF ALL TIME (IMO)
When it comes to Christmas movies, I keep it simple: I want them to feel like Christmas, to warm the heart, and to make a good point. I want to be a better person for having watched them.
There are countless holiday films out there, but only a few rise to the level of timelessness (to me)—movies that speak not just to tradition, but to the truth of love, generosity, and grace. These are the ones that never fail. The ones I will watch every year.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story captures the sharp sting of human selfishness and the redemptive power of love. George C. Scott’s Scrooge is cold and calculating, yet the visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come remind him—and us—of what truly matters. It is a story of repentance, reflection, and the joy that comes when we open our hearts to others.
Scrooge (1970)
Another masterful take on Dickens’ tale, this version leans heavily into the emotional journey of Scrooge, played with raw vulnerability by Albert Finney. It is a little darker, a little more haunting (at least in its uncut version), yet profoundly moving—a reminder that no soul is beyond redemption, and that Christmas is a time for transformation of the heart. And in addition, it makes a pretty good musical.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A story that defies cynicism and champions faith, both in children and adults alike. When Kris Kringle claims to be the real Santa Claus, the world challenges him—but in doing so, it also challenges our own belief in goodness, in “miracles,” and in the possibility of grace breaking through the ordinary. It is a gentle call to trust in what is unseen but true.
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Here, the divine touches the ordinary. An angel arrives to help a bishop struggling with his work and marriage, and the film beautifully illustrates how God meets us in our everyday challenges. Love, patience, and mercy are woven throughout the story, reminding us that Christmas is not only about celebration—it is about restoration. and it has Carey Grant in it.
This film, of course, was remade in 1996 as “The Preacher’s Wife” with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. Denzel is my second favorite actor, behind Humphrey Bogart—though on some days I might reverse that order. Cary Grant is number three for me. I like Denzel better than Grant, without a doubt, but even so, I don’t think classics should be remade. Washington and Whitney Houston are both fantastic, but the remake should have had a different plot rather than trying to replicate the original. It’s nowhere near as good.
An American Christmas Carol (1979)
Set in Depression-era America, this version reframes Dickens’ tale through the lens of ordinary American life. Scrooge’s lessons resonate with the struggles of everyday people, emphasizing the enduring power of compassion, generosity, and the courage to change. It is a timeless reflection on what it means to be truly human. And you’ve probably figured out that my favorite Christmas story—besides the Christmas story of Christ—is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (1990)
This film tells the story behind the famous editorial in which a young girl, Virginia O’Hanlon, asks if Santa Claus is real. It is a heartwarming reminder of hope, faith, and the unseen joys of life. Charles Bronson lends a quiet strength to a tale that ultimately points beyond the legend of Santa to the greater truths of love, belief, and wonder—truths that suggest the Gospel itself.
These films are more than entertainment; they are invitations. They invite us to reflect on generosity, mercy, faith, and the possibilities of transformation. Each story, in its own way, is a mirror of the Gospel—reminding us that love redeems, hope sustains, and Christ is the heart of every true Christmas celebration.
I’ll think of others I’m sure. I will be criticized for leaving off It’s a Wonderful Life lol. And of course I do like that movie a lot. Not as much as these, but it’s still fantastic. And I’m sure there are some others I’m not thinking of right now.
In the days to come, we will explore Christmas films more deeply—drawing spiritual lessons, uncovering hidden truths, and seeing the eternal in the ordinary. For in every flickering candle, every snow-covered street, and every story of redemption, the Christmas gospel is quietly, beautifully at work.
BDD
