One of the things we all love about Advent and Christmas is spending time with loved ones. One favorite tradition is to watch beloved Christmas movies. Each Saturday we will recommend one such movie geared toward families that relates to that week’s Advent theme and includes related Scripture and prayer. We invite you to read aloud these passages and prayers and consider how they may relate to the movie each week. There is also a movie option for grown-ups who want to dive deeper into that week’s theme.
Family Movie: Frosty the Snowman
Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my Savior.” —Luke 1:46-47
Mary has just learned that she is going to be the mother of Jesus, and she is overcome with joy. Joy is more than happiness. It goes deeper. When we’re happy, we smile with our faces. When we have joy, we smile with our hearts. Because joy runs so deep, it helps us get through the ups and downs of life.
Let’s look at some examples of real joy in Frosty the Snowman. How did the characters reach out to help each other? Reaching out and caring for and about others is one of the best ways to find joy. The one character who continues to think only about himself until the end is Professor Hinkle, and he is clearly the least joyous character. When was a time you did something for someone else? How did that make you feel?
Loving God,
Thank you for the gift of joy –
For the joy of simplicity,
For the joy of working together,
For the joy of helping others,
For the joy of being alive!
Amen.
Dive Deeper into Joy: Film Suggestion for Grown-ups
Following the Ninth, available on YouTube
Filmed on four continents, this documentary film looks at the global impact of Beethoven’s hymn to humanity, his battle cry of freedom, his Ninth Symphony. The Ninth was at Tienamen Square in the Spring of 1989 during the student revolt. The same year, when the Berlin Wall came down, the Ninth was there to amplify the celebrations. Under the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile, women marched on torture prisons with the Ode to Joy as inspiration. And in Japan, the Ninth was there to repair and heal after the devastating Tsunami of 2011. Following The Ninth is both inspirational and hard-hitting, and a testament of hope.
Adapted from Worship Design Studio materials by Marcia McFee.
Used With Permission.
Read other Advent 2020 Devotionals or download the book as a PDF.