Stocking Stuffer #5: Our Favorite Christmas Eve Movie

In today's edition of our Stocking Stuffer Series, I want to share what has become a newer tradition for the Higham family. A number of years back (2006, I believe) The Nativity Story was release into theaters. Shortly after that, the DVD was released. Of course we bought it.

I love The Nativity Story movie. So incredible! If somehow, you've missed the movie completely, check out the trailer below.

I think it was about 4, maybe 5 years ago, we started watching The Nativity Story as a family on Christmas Eve. Our traditions is that we grab lunch sometime Christmas Eve. (Most of my Christmas Eve's are spent getting ready for services, so lunch works out great as a way to be with the family.) We will then attend our Christmas Eve Candle Light Service. Following the service we return home for some light appetizers or desserts and settle in for Christmas. As a family we read our Advent book (See Stocking Stuff #4) then fire up The Nativity Story.

Now we have a pretty good span in ages with the oldest being 16 adn the youngest being 6. So for a couple of years, it's just been the older kids who have sat and watched the movie with us. But last year, the entire family stayed awake as we watch the incredible story of our Saviors birth!

Here's what I love about watching the movie on Christmas Eve.

IT BRINGS THE STORY OF JESUS' BIRTH TO LIVING COLOR.

After reading and singing the story at our Christmas Eve service, I love watching it played out in such a dramatic and well produced way. The movie brings life to what we normally only see in black and white. The emotion, the struggle, the fear, the wonderful mystery of God and His perfect paln, all come together to remind us of God's great love and His desire to redeem His people!

For my kids, it's taking what would otherwise just be a story, and telling it with real people. I love to watch them as they watch the story. Their faces and the questions they ask, like, "Did that really happen?" Or, Why did they have to do that?" What a great opportunity to talk about God and His love!

My hope is that this year will be no different. If all goes right, after we finish our Christmas Eve service, we will return home to watch The Nativity Story.

Whether it's on Christmas Eve or not, I want to encourage you to sit down and watch The Nativity Story, this Christmas season. Allow yourself to be taken back to the tiem of Christ's birth. Feel the emotion, the joy and the excitement of God's great love for you!

Have you already watched The Nativity Story? Is it a tradition in your household? How does it help to prepare your heart for Christmas? I'd love to hear from you. Please take a minute and share your thoughts in our comment section below!

Merry Christmas!

- jay

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Looking for a copy of The Nativity Story? Use the link below to order your copy from Amazon.com.