Why We Love Hallmark Christmas Movies

12/5/2018

They are kind of cheesy and we can predict the endings, so why do we love Hallmark Christmas movies so much?

While each movie is different, there are common themes that we enjoy.

Each movie takes place in a small town where the people are friendly and kind, caring for one another. Most people even have good manners. The small towns are enchanting and make you wish you could live there.

Good people have strong morals and loving hearts. Bad people can change and often do as a result of loving relationships or a wake-up call.

Family members genuinely love one another sacrificially, or will before the end of the movie.

The hero is a genuinely good guy who cares deeply for the heroine and is trustworthy. There is a romantic sparkle that is endearing. The couple want the best for one another. Most of the romances are pure with a passionate kiss as far as it gets.

Christmas is seen as magical and highly worth celebrating. The "spirit of Christmas" is viewed as intangible and valuable.

A Hallmark Christmas movie is satisfying. It gives us the change to relax and escape from the pressures of life, to be lost in the story.

So why do all these things mean so much to us?

Well, it's because without realizing it, we are created to crave these things, well actually very similar things. Let me explain.

Our Real Desires

We all long to belong to a group of people that love and care for us. It might be a small town or a loving family. God said it is not good for people to be alone. He gives us a forever family that is called to love one another, honor one another, encourage one another, meet one another's needs, and pray for one another.

That craving for a perfect small town can be met in this life by being part of a caring family and being plugged into a local church. It will be fully met in Heaven when we join with other believers in the New Heaven and New Earth.

We instinctively know that goodness and evil exist and we want to be surrounded by people who will be good to us, as well as be good ourselves. Yet, as we struggle with our own shortcomings, we long for a chance to change, to become a better self. Of course, as believers we know that Jesus offers that hope to us, dying on the cross to redeem us and filling us with His Spirit to transform us. We don't become our "best self," but rather "Christ in us, the Hope of Glory."

We long to be loved by the "perfect man" who is smart, funny, handsome, and cares deeply for us, wanting our best. Unfortunately, we know that human men are flawed and will never be perfect, except for one man. That man is Jesus. He holds His arms open wide to welcome us into His love for all eternity.

There is no "spirit of Christmas," but there is the "miracle of Christmas." Unlike the intangible "spirit of Christmas," the miracle is a fact. The King of Kings laid aside His glory to humble himself as a man so He could rescue mankind. The miracles at Christmas causes us to gaze in wonder. How did a virgin give birth? How can a star lead people to the baby Jesus? How do angels appear to people? How can every prophetic word over thousand of years be fulfilled in Jesus? The miracles of Christmas causes us to stop and discover the amazing love of God that surpasses knowledge and defies understanding. Yes, Hallmark get's it right: there is something wonderful about Christmas--they just don't know exactly what it is. However, we do!

Receiving the Miracle of Christmas

While a Hallmark Christmas movie is a great way to escape from the pressures of life, there is an even better way.

Jesus offers us life and life more abundantly. He offers us rest and a burden to carry that is easy and light. Jesus offers us joy, peace, hope, and love.

If I gave you a million dollars and you put a million dollars in an account, you would own it. If you never withdrew any of the money, you wouldn't be able to enjoy it. Our bank account is filled by Jesus. However, you need to withdraw the gifts and promises so you can use them.

There is nothing wrong with putting your feet up and watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, but realize that that good feeling from the movie is temporary, but the miracle of Christmas is yours today, changing your life forever.

God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Love, love, love,
Meredith Curtis

P.S. Please share your favorite Hallmark Christmas Movie below.