2024_banner%20ads.webp)
Jonathan Roumie on Reclaiming a Christ-Centered Christmas in a Consumer-Driven Culture
- Milton Quintanilla Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Dec 04, 2024
Jonathan Roumie, best known for his role as Jesus Christ, in the hit series "The Chosen" is encouraging Christians to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas, which he says has been overshadowed by consumerism.
"The epitome of what all of us as Christians believe is that God came to Earth in the form of a baby [...] that would grow up to be a man who saved humanity by reconciling us back to God, the Father," Roumie told The Christian Post.
"When you really consider what takes place when we get to Easter, it all starts here at this moment, in this season of Advent, with Christmas," he continued. "It's much more monumental and impactful, and heavier spiritually, than I think most people, especially nowadays, have become so familiar with."
This advent season, Roumie is calling believers to take part in the Pray25 Challenge on the Hallow app and deepen their prayer life.
The theme for the initiative, titled "For God So Loved the World," centers on the meaning of John 3:16 with the goal of bringing people back toward the true meaning of Christmas.
At the same time, however, Roumie lamented that consumerism has overtaken the spiritual aspect of Christmas.
"We're so used to Christmas being absconded by commercial endeavors and consumerism and all of those aspects of the holiday that have culturally overshadowed the meaning of Christmas and the spirit behind Christmas and what Christmas actually is about," he said.
"It's about the arrival of the Savior of the world and the humility in which He arrived into the world, in a stable by two Jewish peasants in a backwater town in Israel. That can't be lost on us. I think this challenge really brings people back to the heart of what Christmas is about."
The Pray25 Challenge features an array of artists and leaders, including Francis Chan, Lauren Daigle, and Gwen Stefani, as well as reflections and music to enhance the spiritual experience.
"It's a representation of what the Church on Earth can look like," Roumie explained.
"Despite our differences, we are all looking to the same God who saves us. This challenge shows the possibilities of unity and reminds us how much more we have in common than what divides us."
"Over the last 2,000 years, so many denominations have emerged. This is a chance to start piecing things back together and focus on Jesus."
The Pray25 Challenge also includes Roumie's reflections on A Severe Mercy, a story of faith, love, and loss intertwined with the mentorship of CS Lewis. For the actor, recording these reflections was a profound experience for him, who was even brought to tears on several occasions.
"It's such a beautiful story," he said. "I can't wait for people to experience it."
Roumie also said the challenge incorporates music as a pathway to prayer, featuring artists like Lauren Daigle and Matt Maher.
"Music is an incredible road to people's spiritual lives," Roumie said. "Even if you've never prayed before, music can lead you to a deeper place of connection with God."
Season 5 of "The Chosen," subtitled "The Chosen: Last Supper," will be released in March 2025. Roumie told CP that the season is the "best" to date.
"People will see a range of emotions and actions from Jesus that they've never seen anywhere else, really, for that matter.
"It's going to be extremely moving," he added. "I'm excited for fans to see it."
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Shane Anthony Sinclair/Stringer
