Podcasts about christmas at the movies

It's that time of year where we gather around the tree, fill up our mugs with hot chocolate, and watch our favorite Christmas movies. But, what if there were things we could learn? Today we're talking about one of our favorites - Elf! This episode has fun movie facts and lots of laughs - but we also get real about what it would look like to treat every day like Christmas, and what Christmas cheer really is. We're talking about being who we really are, leaning into delight and joy, and the incredible power of hope and true belief. Merry Christmas, and just like smiling, you're our favorite.

Christmas At The Movies 2025 | Message 1: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever | Pastor Chad Dingess | 12/07/2025 by Bethesda Church

Has God's whispering voice felt distant this Christmas season? In this compelling message, Pastor Dave unpacks how the story of the Grinch parallels deeper spiritual truths about finding authentic Christmas joy. Through engaging movie clips and biblical wisdom, he reveals how comparison, consumerism, and isolation can shrink our hearts—but God offers three unshakeable gifts: everlasting peace, exceeding joy, and overflowing hope. Whether you're feeling weary or wondering where Christmas went, this transformative message reminds us that Christ came to heal hearts and make us whole. Don't miss this fresh perspective on rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas! 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,For out of it spring the issues of life.John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;The Message Translation - Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.LUKE 2:8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

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Lights, camera, action! Don't miss our new series - “Christmas at the Movies.”  Christmas classics have a way of filling our hearts with the joy of the season. Each weekend, we'll explore timeless biblical truths inspired by some of our favorites. Join us for a journey of wonder, joy, and spiritual growth!Let us know you're here! If you have a need or prayer request we can support you: thecompass.net/connectioncardIf you call The Compass your church home or you'd like to partner with us in what God is doing here, near, and far, you can visit thecompass.net/give

Sunday | Christmas at the Movies - Saved to a Family | Isaac Goulson | 11.30.2025

We kicked off advent and our new Christmas series using Christmas movies. This Sunday we talked about It's A Wonderful Life and the hope we have in Christ!

In this kickoff to our annual Christmas at the Movies series, Pastor Chris uses the timeless story of A Christmas Carol to show how grace can thaw even the coldest heart. From the Ghost of Christmas Past to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, we discover how God heals our wounds, confronts our present reality, and invites us into a brand-new future.Whether you feel stuck in old patterns, shaped by past pain, or unsure of the path ahead — this message will remind you that your story isn't set in stone. God is still writing. Grace is still moving. And a new heart is still available.Scripture Highlights:Ezekiel 36:26, Titus 2:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 15:13Listen in and be encouraged — if God can rewrite Scrooge's story in a single night, imagine what He can do in your heart today.www.thejourneychurch.cc

Advent reminds us that real hope isn't better circumstances—it's God drawing near. Jesus' presence enlarges our story, restores courage, and leads us into God's greater story. Robin Gough November 30, 2025 For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.

Have you ever felt completely alone, even in a crowded room? Through the lens of "Home Alone," Pastor Dave explores how isolation affects us all—from Kevin McCallister's cry for family to King David's desperate psalms. When we're hurting, we often retreat and put up false fronts, like Kevin's elaborate mannequin scheme, rather than embracing authentic connection. But just as Kevin discovered in that powerful church scene with Mr. Marley, healing begins when we turn on the light and face our fears. God stands ready, knocking at the door of our hearts, offering relationship and restoration. This inspiring message reminds us that no matter how far we've wandered, we're just one step away from coming home to God's transformative presence. Watch now to discover how to move from isolation to restoration!Psalm 142:3-4 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then you knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me. 4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.1 Kings 19:4 (message) He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I'm ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

We love to tell stories. From an early verbal tradition to today's books, television, social media reels, and movies, we continue to weave tales designed to help us understand life, laugh at ourselves, and appreciate beauty. The stories we tell reflect God's storytelling character. His epic story of redeeming humanity is the greatest one ever told. At Christmas, we remember this narrative in myriad forms.From Nov. 30 to Dec. 21, we will explore how the larger themes in several popular Christmas movies point us to God's truth — the ultimate true story — in our sermon series "Christmas At The Movies."

We love to tell stories. From an early verbal tradition to today's books, television, social media reels, and movies, we continue to weave tales designed to help us understand life, laugh at ourselves, and appreciate beauty. The stories we tell reflect God's storytelling character. His epic story of redeeming humanity is the greatest one ever told. At Christmas, we remember this narrative in myriad forms.From Nov. 30 to Dec. 21, we will explore how the larger themes in several popular Christmas movies point us to God's truth — the ultimate true story — in our sermon series "Christmas At The Movies."

KBOE Radio message for November 30, 2025, with Mike Sereg: Home Alone – Christmas at the Movies.The post Home Alone – Christmas at the Movies first appeared on VITAL.

Christmas is meant to be joyful - but let's be honest, it can get overwhelming. Between packed calendars, family tension, endless to-dos, and those post-shopping credit card statements, joy can feel buried under the clutter. In Part 1 of our series “Christmas At The Movies”, we are diving into the movie ELF and unpacking what it teaches us about rediscovering real JOY. What does Scripture say about it? How do we find it, hold on to it, and truly experience it in the middle of a hectic season? Let's jump in.

Lights, camera, action! Don't miss our new series - “Christmas at the Movies.”  Christmas classics have a way of filling our hearts with the joy of the season. Each weekend, we'll explore timeless biblical truths inspired by some of our favorites. Join us for a journey of wonder, joy, and spiritual growth!Let us know you're here! If you have a need or prayer request we can support you: thecompass.net/connectioncardIf you call The Compass your church home or you'd like to partner with us in what God is doing here, near, and far, you can visit thecompass.net/give

David Westrick preaches on the ghosts of our present and the things we need to do to improve our current walk with God.

Christmas at the Movies series closes with a sermon from pastor Gary Lamb on the importance of immediately making changes to improve our lives.

Pastor Gary Lamb preaches on how to change the ghosts of our future.

Pastor Gary Lamb preaches about the importance of learning from the ghosts of our past.

Welcome to ThriveChurch! We are so glad you are joining us. If you are a first-time guest you can fill out this form to get connected: https://thrive.church/connect/ If you would like to give financially you can do so here: https://thrive.church/give/ If you need any prayer you can send prayer requests here: https://thrive.church/pray Stay connected with us throughout the week: Website: https://thrive.church Facebook: http://thrv.ch/facebook Instagram: http://thrv.ch/insta Unless otherwise noted all scripture is from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Grinch: an unpleasant person who spoils other people's ________ or ______________. The Grinch couldn't enjoy the joys of Christmas because his heart was __________________ too small. [Jeremiah 17:9] “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Our heart can cause us to make _________ choices. ______________ will cause your heart to shrink and turn you into a grinch. [Proverbs 18:1 CSB] One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound wisdom. [1 John 2:9] If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. You have an enemy who wants to __________ your ________. [John 10:10a] The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. _______________ will steal the joy that Gad has given you. Lasting _________ only comes from Jesus. Jesus needs to be the _____________ of our joy. [Nehemiah 8:10c] Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” The world didn't give you ________ and it can't take it away. Don't look on the _________________ to change something on the ___________________. [Ezekiel 36:26-27] And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. God wants our hearts to __________________. If you have settled for anything other than a _________- ________ life you have settled for something that is too ___________. [Psalm 51:10 ESV] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

You can be in a _____________ and still feel alone. [2 Timothy 4:16] The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. [John 14:18] No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. You are __________ alone. We can know that God is right there beside us, even in our ________________ moments. [Deuteronomy 31:8 CSB] The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. We don't need to __________ God's presence, we need to be ______________ of His presence. [Psalm 139:7-12] I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. [9] If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. [11] I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— [12] but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. [Isaiah 7:14 CSB] Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. Immanuel: God _________ us. God has created us to live in ________________. [Psalm 68:6a NASB] God makes a home for the lonely; The church should not be a _____________ but a ____________________. [1 John 4:11 NIV] Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. God wants our relationships to be _____________ not ___________________. You may ___________ alone, but you're _________ alone. [Romans 8:38-39] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. [39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[1 John 5:12] Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life. When life doesn't go our way we all ________ to something. [Psalm 143:9] Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Your life _____________ more than you think it does. Our impact is often found in the _____________ things we do and not in the __________________. I'm not ______________ but I serve the One who is! God can give you a new _________________ on life. [Ephesians 2:10] For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. We want God to change our ______________________ but God wants to change _______. [1 Peter 5:7 CSB] casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. You can __________ what is lost or you can ____________ on what remains. [John 16:33] I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” In times of __________, don't lose ___________. [Isaiah 9:1-2 NIV] Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Your best days are not ______________ you. [John 10:10] A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life* and have it in abundance. *LIFE (Greek: zoe): the absolute ________________ of life.

Pastor Gary Lamb preaches on how to change the ghosts of our future.

David Westrick preaches on the ghosts of our present and the things we need to do to improve our current walk with God.

Pastor Gary Lamb preaches about the importance of learning from the ghosts of our past.

Christmas At The Movies - "A Christmas Carol"

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Christmas At The Movies - "The Christmas Story" - Pastor Heiden Ratner

Faith isn't always easy—sometimes it even feels like a struggle, just like Scott Calvin's journey in the movie "The Santa Clause." The truth is, we're not meant to figure it out alone. We need people to encourage us as Jonathan did for David in the Old Testament, and we need to count the cost like Mary did when she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world. But here's the best part: Faith is bigger than us. Like a mustard seed growing into something incredible, our faith can impact others in ways we may never see. Join us for Week 3 of "Christmas at the Movies" as Pastor Danny Anderson shares powerful lessons of faith from "The Santa Clause." Speaker: Pastor Danny Anderson

Aslan's resurrection brings hope and peace to Narnia, mirroring Jesus's resurrection, which offers us eternal life and transformation. Explore the biblical prophecies of Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, and understand how His sacrificial love can bring peace to our chaotic lives.

There's something about the Christmas movies we watch year after year that make us laugh, bring us joy, and inspire us to hope for something better.In this series, we will be looking at some of our favorite Christmas movies and how they help us connect to the big truths about God, His kingdom, and the real Christmas story.We'll have the popcorn ready for you.

Christmas At The Movies - "The Grinch" - Pastor Heiden Ratner

For years, Brian has staked his claim that Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Now, he has stage time to explain why. As part of a weekend teaching series, “Christmas at the Movies,” Brian shares how Die Hard contains echoes of that original night in Bethlehem—from unideal family situations, to a hero that fights for his beloved. Recorded live at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Die Hard becomes a message of hope for everyone. Welcome to the party, pal. 

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The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time. So why is joy sometimes so hard to find? Don't miss this weekend's Christmas at the Movies as we uncover surprising truths around the deeper theme of joy in the classic movie Elf. Speaker: Eric Torrence, Executive Pastor of Creative Expressions

Let's face it—no family is perfect, and that's what makes them, well, family. When things get tough in your relationships, it might feel easier to just go full "Home Alone" and isolate yourself. The truth is, we're not meant to do life alone. No family is perfect, but forgiveness is the secret to healing your relationships and living the abundant life God desires for us. It's not always easy, but choosing grace over bitterness opens the door to peace and restoration. Join us for Week 2 of "Christmas at the Movies" as Pastor Danny Anderson shares some powerful lessons from the holiday classic "Home Alone.” Don't let family dysfunction hold you back from the love, connection, and hope that's waiting for you. Speaker: Pastor Danny Anderson

Discover the power of transformation through the stories of Gru from Despicable Me and the Apostle Paul. See how both find love and acceptance after life-changing wake-up calls.

There's something about the Christmas movies we watch year after year that make us laugh, bring us joy, and inspire us to hope for something better.In this series, we will be looking at some of our favorite Christmas movies and how they help us connect to the big truths about God, His kingdom, and the real Christmas story.We'll have the popcorn ready for you.

This week kicks off our exciting new teaching series, CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES! Join us as we go on a journey through Jim Carrey's movie adaptation of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" and uncover truths from this classic story. Pastor Danny warns us about the “Scrooge” that lives in each of us while offering Biblical guidance to overcome it. The Bible, along with this timeless tale, reminds us that it is never too late to change and make a difference in our lives. Speaker: Pastor Danny Anderson

There's something about the Christmas movies we watch year after year that make us laugh, bring us joy, and inspire us to hope for something better.In this series, we will be looking at some of our favorite Christmas movies and how they help us connect to the big truths about God, His kingdom, and the real Christmas story.We'll have the popcorn ready for you.

Co-Host Evan Semanco is joined by the triumphant return of co-host Scott Odom who reports back on everything involved in having a new building, becoming a first time dad soon, and hot takes on Christmas.  We also discuss everything you need to know coming up this December at the Simple Church, and play a Christmas Trivia Game with producer Jordan Phillips to broaden your Christmas Knowledge that you can easily play at home.    LINKS FROM THE EPISODE CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES  PRIVATE ELF SCREENING AT THE REGAL BOARDWALK JINGLE JAM  CHRISTMAS BAPTISM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES   If you have feedback for the podcast, have a guest suggestion, or just want to talk to Evan, e-mail Evan@thesimplechurch.tv. You can also find out more about the Simple Church at www.theSimpleChurch.tv.

It's a 4-part Christmas series and to kick us off, Seacoast's Lead Pastor Josh Surratt is in the studio to talk about Seacoast's Christmas At The Movies series. He continues the conversation about ‘belief' from his own message based on the 2003 Christmas classic, Elf. Josh responds to the flack that Seacoast gets about mixing sermons with movies.  He also proposes that despite the uneasiness that spiritual doubts and questions may elicit, the church can't be afraid of them. He then gets personal about how worship is used in his life to battle circumstances and strengthen his faith. At the top of the episode, Lynne Stroy and Tomelex Copeland admit that they can take or leave the movie, Elf and the host crew is split on their opinions of white chocolate. Then the conversation turns serious as they discuss what glorifying God through our eating looks like and Jack Hoey III shares why the question "what's God doing in your life right now?” isn't a good one.Be a Patron of the Podcast! Other Past Christmas Episodes:Santa Claus and Other LiesThis Christmas, Rejoice With Those Who RejoiceChristmas Episodes on Grief:This Holiday, Mourn with those Who MournThis Holiday, Mourn with those Who Mourn IIChristmas Music Courtesy of Seacoast Christmas Collective IIIn this episodeJosh Surratt / Instagram Roy Jacques, host / FacebookTomelex Copeland, host / FacebookLynne Stroy, host / InstagramJoey Svendsen, host / InstagramJack Hoey, host / InstagramAmy Worley, host / Instagram Executive Producer: Josh SurrattProducer/Editor: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: JT PriceSound Engineer: Katelyn VandiverMusic, including theme song: Joel T. Hamilton MusicSince the beginning of 2024, this podcast releases fully-produced, video versions of each episode. You can find these on our YouTube Channel.

Setbacks are inevitable, but they can lead to significant breakthroughs if approached with faith and reflection. Drawing from the stories of Willy Wonka and Moses, we learn that challenges shape our paths to success.

There's something about the Christmas movies we watch year after year that make us laugh, bring us joy, and inspire us to hope for something better.In this series, we will be looking at some of our favorite Christmas movies and how they help us connect to the big truths about God, His kingdom, and the real Christmas story.We'll have the popcorn ready for you.