10 Great Christmas Movies and the Lessons They Teach

In our increasingly secular society, it is very easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Sure, on an intellectual level we would concede that the holiday represents the birth of Jesus, but all too often even his worshipers are swept up by the sales at Sears and the 8 cajillion lights on our neighbors' rooftop.

However, it wasn't too long ago that Christmas not only brought the story of the nativity, but also life lessons to be learned. The holiday season was a warm time when neighbors smiled at one another. December itself seemed to remind us to be civil to each other. It wasn't the time to trample someone for the best buy at Walmart or to swear at the guy who cut you off in traffic. Even our entertainment taught us lessons. So, in the spirit of how Christmas used to be, and still can be, my gift to you is a list of 10 Christmas movies and the lessons they teach. I hope you and your family enjoy yourselves, and enjoys the truths these films offer.

The epitome of all that is NOT the spirit of Christmas will forever be embodied in Charles Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge. There are several tellings of the classic A Christmas Carol, and all of them are pretty good. The benchmark may very well be the 1951 version starring Alistair Sim. Perhaps you could have fun each year by choosing one of the others too. They star Seymour Hicks (1935 – titled Scrooge) Reginald Owen (1938), Albert Finney (a 1970 musical – titled Scrooge), George C. Scott (1984), Patrick Stewart (1999), Kelsey Grammer (a 2004 musical) and even a modern day retelling called Scrooged starring Bill Murray (1988). From the faith of Tiny Tim to the youthful optimism of Bob Cratchit, there are many things to be learned from this yuletide tale. Mostly, however, we learn that we are never too old to be transformed and that generosity brings much joy. (Acts 20:35)

Everyone matters and the world would be a different place without you. We discover this along with George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) as an angel shows him what life in his small town would be like if he chooses to jump off of a bridge. The title says it all in It's a Wonderful Life (1946). (Psalm 139)

A Miracle on 34th Street (1947) starring Edmund Gwen as Kris Kringle touches us with the simple idea that faith is an important virtue to our daily lives. Kringle claims to be the real Santa Claus and is put on trial for doing so. A young Natalie Wood stars as Susan Walker, a little girl in need of something to believe in. Although this 1947 telling is my favorite, there are two remakes with some measure of charm as well – 1973 with Sebastian Cabot and the 1994 version with Richard Attenborough. (Hebrews 11:1)

Along with great dance numbers and catchy songs, including the popular title hit, White Christmas (1954) introduces themes of friendship, loyalty, bravery and a host of all American ideals through entertainers Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The pair decides to raise money for their beloved commanding officer from WWII so that he can keep his cherished inn. (John 15:13)

Not exactly a full length feature, the animated A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is still a wonderful viewing for the whole family. Follow Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas, and you may be reminded too. Besides, who can forget that ugly little tree he picked out for the pageant? (For this, I would simply read the entire Christmas story together found in the first chapters of Mathew or Luke.)

In A Christmas Story (1983), there is only one thing on the entire planet that little Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants for Christmas – a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle! This hysterical and nostalgic look at Christmas through the eyes of a child is sure to bring back memories from your own childhood. You may also use the film to talk about our desire for material possessions and the mistaken belief that one single thing will make our lives complete. In addition, you can introduce your kids to the phrase, “You'll shoot your eye out!” (Mathew 6:21)

Due to some crude humor, A National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) is recommended for the older members of your family. However, there are some endearing qualities about the story of Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his family. Everything that can go wrong does in this typical slapstick fashion, but through it all, Clark maintains his hope that the holiday can still be something special. Like A Christmas Story, Griswold puts most of his hopes in a single gift – a Christmas bonus from work in which he wants to purchase a swimming pool for his family. (Exodus 20:17)

Home Alone (1990) is a guilty pleasure of mine. Hardly considered a classic by most, the slapstick humor and story of a young kid forgotten by his exasperated parents and having the run of an empty house makes me laugh. After doing all the things any boy might do if given complete freedom (overeating, not cleaning, staying up late, etc.), Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is visited by two bumbling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) from which he must defend his home. The most touching moments come from a sub plot about an elderly neighbor whom Kevin has misjudged as being something he is not. Lots of ways you can go with this in regards to family, responsibility and prejudging others. Or, you can simply talk about being ready for when Jesus returns (Luke 12:39-40).

Despite lukewarm reviews, I think Jim Carrey was brilliant as the Grinch (whose “heart was two sizes too small”) in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). I'm not joking when I say that he was a perfect fit for the role and should have been nominated for an academy award. This full length version of the animated classic by Dr. Seuss is filled with energy and expands the story of the original. Both are great and the message is the same - “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” This is another great opportunity to discuss the birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas. Generosity works too. (Proverbs 11:25)

Finally, along with Scrooge and the Grinch, Elf (2003) shows us the blessing of giving. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, an elf who is adopted into the family of Santa's helpers, and journey's into New York City to find his birth father. Yes, his real Dad (James Caan) is an Ebenezer sort of guy. His heart must be melted by Buddy's child like optimism and humble spirit. The overgrown elf loves Christmas and chooses to live life to the fullest. So should we! (John 10:10)

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Dan Kulp is a an actor, writer, speaker and lead singer for the popular indie rock band The Dig Project. You may check out his music at www.myspace.com/thedigproject or write to dan@thedigproject.com

Click on the Links to purchase movies mentioned in this feature:

Scrooge (Albert Finney)

Scrooge (Seymour Hicks)

Scrooged

It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)

White Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas (Remastered Deluxe Edition)

A Christmas Story (Full-Screen Edition)

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition)

Home Alone

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Deluxe Edition)

Elf (Infinifilm Edition)