Phoebe: It’s Christmas!
Meg: What?
Phoebe: It’s snowing! That means it is Christmas.
Someone has seen the movie White Christmas too often. And since my girls would like to watch it again tonight – I guess that someone is me. Because I knew instantly what Phoebe was referencing, and I understood how she could believe that snow was a precursor for Christmas (even though she was born in GA). It all begins with Bing Crosby and “Snow…snow… snow…”
Unfortunately I can keep singing… but I have no intention of washing my hair in snow. (Can you imagine what a frost bitten shower that would be?)
Some of you have no idea what I am talking about and would be startled if I broke out singing “Sisters”. Others of you will not understand how my sister believes Die Hard should always kick-off the Christmas holidays. But most of us have been touched by movies during the Christmas season. It may be different films – maybe Christmas Story or Elf or Miracle on 34th St or Its a Wonderful Life – but the holiday is not complete without them.
We know this season is building to Christ. At the same time it is filled with lights and trees and eggnog and shopping. And sometime during this holiday you will sit down to watch a movie you can quote. A movie that is more than a film, because it is tradition. It is Linus saying, “Lights please.” And these scenes, moments, have impacted our lives.
For this reason my sermon series for Advent – a word that means arrival – is “Coming Attractions”. Each week I will show a clip from a different holiday classic. But I thought I would begin by asking you about holiday movies: What are your favorite Christmas movies? Why do you love the movie? You can leave a comment on the blog or send me an email message.
PLUNGE47 
Sean – We need to watch Die Hard soon. As your wife, you have introduced me to so many Christmas movies, it is hard to pick a favorite. I think it depends on whether you are in the mood for a laugh: Christmas Story or Elf, want to sit down as a family, Charlie Brown Christmas or White Christmas, need a good cry, Its a Wonderful Life, or just want to be able to say “Yippee-ki-yay” with John McClane… I enjoy watching movies with you.
Love watching with you too!!
Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase is my favorite must see Christmas movie. Another favorite movie I consider a Christmas movie is Dumb & Dumber. Some haters may disagree that it has a Christmas theme, but there is snow and Christmas trees in it. I usually don’t watch Elf every Christmas, but seeing Kevin Bonham wear the Elf costume for Halloween, I have to see it now.
You are right about Kevin Bonham! I will not be able to watch the movie without thinking of him in green tights! ~ As to dumb and dumber…
When it gets nipply outside,I mean nippy. What am I saying “nipple”? We watch Clark and Eddie. The best holiday movie since Bing Crosby tap danced with Danny “bleepin” K.
Ha! I forgot the Crosby-Danny K line… So Clark knows what I am talking about with White Christmas! And you are right Christmas Vacation is a must. I crack up at the squirrel and the cat chewing on the lights and… plus Elaine before she was Elaine.
Okay, I had to read Don’s comment twice to catch all of the references. We will have to watch Christmas Vacation too!
I have two, Christmas Vacation and Ralphie, better known as Christmas Story. I can’t say why, but I do know watching them will always be a tradition in my family.
Mr. Jay! Great to hear from you. Definitely have to see both and you are right, it is funny how movies become a part of this season. That does not really happen with other holidays (at least not for us, I suppose Ground Hogs Day needs Bill Murry’s version…)