Nothing spreads holiday cheer like drinking hot chocolate, cozying up by the fireplace, and turning on a classic Christmas movie. Depending on what movie you choose, you may find that you end up celebrating more than just the holiday season, but the gift of life as well.
Some of my fondest childhood memories include laughing and cultivating the hope inspired by classic Christmas movies. My father made these moments especially memorable by encouraging us kids to explore the deeper meanings in the story and find ways to apply them to our lives. As I’ve grown older, I’ve continued this practice and discovered that these films contain deeper, more profound themes about life than I once realized. If you choose to watch the movies listed below this Christmas, there are some questions to prompt discussions about being pro-life.
Classic Christmas Movies That Are Pro-Life
#1 Classic Christmas Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, is a beloved classic Christmas movie. The film encapsulates the difficulty of adulthood and sacrifice while ultimately leading back to the same conclusion: individual life is valuable. As you and/or your family watch this classic Christmas movie, there are some concepts to take note of:
- Suicide is an issue that has become more apparent in our society and within the pro-life movement. Have you or someone you know ever related to George Bailey in his desire to end his life amidst difficult circumstances? Do difficult circumstances grant us the right to take the lives of
ourselves or others?
- As previously mentioned, the movie centralizes itself on the idea of individual value through George Bailey’s influence on his community. Think of the ways you have influenced those around you for the better. What would be missing had your mother not chosen life? You can also make this a moment of encouragement by sharing how others have added value to your life.
- George Bailey is a father who wants to provide for his family. What insights can be taken away from his approach to fatherhood? In what ways did he value the life of his wife and children?
#2 Classic Christmas Movie: Elf
The movie Elf, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell, is another classic Christmas movie that incites joy, humor, and hope. Some pro-life insights on the film include:
- Buddy was adopted and raised by elves for a better part of his life, despite cultural and physical differences. What can we learn about adoption through Buddy’s journey?
- Elf also covers the restoration of family bonds, emphasizing the power of forgiveness and exhibiting that life and relationships are worth fighting for. In what ways can you honor your family? Is there a qualm that needs resolution within your household?
- We see Buddy’s optimistic demeanor and ability to bounce back within the film, despite difficult circumstances. His unrelenting hope showcases the joy we can bring to the world, aligning with the pro-life value that life is a joyous gift. In what ways can we be more optimistic in times of difficulty? How can we shine the joy of life to others while still being true to ourselves?
#3 Christmas Classic Movie: A Christmas Carol
Finally, A Christmas Carol, originally a book written by Charles Dickens and adapted into cinema, musters feelings of Christmas joy and causes the audience to examine their own lives in light of unsettling themes of human nature. With hyper-realistic illustrations, you would be hard-pressed to find a more engaging rendition of such a famous story than Disney’s A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey. As you enjoy the enticing animation of this classic Christmas movie, keep these ideas and questions in mind:
- Scrooge, who has an ignorant and greedy demeanor, comes to see the worth of those around him, especially the oppressed and marginalized. How can we be better at recognizing the value of others, especially those who are suffering? What charities can we donate to? How can we volunteer our time?
- In that same breath, we also witness the once cold-hearted Scrooge grow in compassion towards the vulnerable. The pro-life movement emphasizes care for expecting mothers and their preborn children. How can we act on that compassion? How can we show the scared mother that we care for her AND her baby?
- Finally, the movie concludes with a redemptive theme. A once stingy and mean Ebenezer Scrooge is now repentant and joyous. The story shows us that there is no life beyond saving. Are there post-abortive mothers who need to know the redemptive power of forgiveness in Christ? Are there children out there who seem difficult but are just hurting?
Final Thoughts
As you celebrate this Christmas and enjoy your favorite classic Christmas movies, may they inspire you to cherish and celebrate life. During this gift-giving season, let us remember to give thanks for the gift of our lives and pray for those vulnerable to abortion. Perhaps watching these movies together may even spark new conversations. Ultimately, while being pro-life and initiating important conversations may not get you a pair of wings here on earth, there is no shortage of celebration in heaven when lives are redeemed.
For entertainment reviews, check out Plugged In: a Focus ministry that helps you and your family make appropriate entertainment choices. Link: https://www.pluggedin.com/.
