Dallas Jenkins’ New Christmas Movie Inspires Churches to Embrace the Underprivileged
- Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Oct 24, 2024
The creator and director of The Chosen says his new Christmas movie calls on the church to display love and compassion to underprivileged families as it spreads the gospel of Christ. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (PG) releases in theaters on Nov. 8, telling the story of the Herdman siblings, notorious troublemakers who ignite a stir when they unexpectedly land all the major roles in the town's beloved Christmas pageant.
It's based on a classic book by Barbara Robinson and was directed by Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins.
Jenkins said he wept when he read the book to his children for the first time.
"My wife, about 20 years ago, picked it up from a Pottery Barn," he told Crosswalk Headlines. "... So we set our kids down, and I start reading it, and right away I'm laughing. Right away, I'm charmed. It's so witty, it's so smart, and it's unique. And then early on, I'm like, my goodness, this is a Jesus story, this is a church story."
The story was "more Jesus-y" than he had remembered.
"Well, we get near the end of the book when it's time to perform the pageant. And I am just weeping," he said. "And so I handed it to Amanda, my wife, and she's reading, and she's crying, so she hands it back to me. It became a Christmas tradition to not only read the book every Christmas but for our kids to make fun of us for crying every time."
Jenkins chased the rights to the movie and finally won them several years ago, shortly after The Chosen became a viral sensation.
Initially, the Herdmans' motives are self-serving -- they seek candy and attention -- but ultimately, they are transformed by the gospel's message. The story depicts the Herdmans as children who are neglected at home but are embraced by a handful of churchgoers.
The movie stars Judy Greer (Ant-Man) as the director, Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) as the narrator, and Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen) as one of the townspeople. Kirk B.R. Woller (The Chosen) portrays the pastor.
The movie has several messages for the church, Jenkins said.
"I think there's a key message in this movie about making sure we understand people who we don't normally see, people who are visiting church for the first time, people from the wrong side of the tracks, people in poverty -- instead of judging them, let's really, truly try to understand [them]," Jenkins said. "... Maybe there's a perspective they have that we and our suburban American viewpoint might miss out on or take for granted in the story of Christmas."
Another message comes from troublemaker Imogene Herdman, who protests that everything at church is "about Jesus," Jenkins said. Her childlike complaint is actually a compliment, he said.
"How great is it when you are part of a church where everything here is about Jesus? I hope that's true about my life," he said. "I hope that's true about any church that I'm part of."
The core message of the film, he added, is the gospel.
"It's the last words of the movie: 'Unto you, a child is born.' That is ultimately the message of this. …Jesus came to Earth for you," Jenkins said. "And that is a message that comes through in a comedic way in this movie, but also in a very emotional and spiritual way in this movie."
The film is releasing Nov. 2 for early access screenings, with a special deal: one free child's ticket with each adult ticket purchased.
Photo Credit: ©Allen Fraser/Lionsgate
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
