FREE TRAINING
Top 10 Christmas Videos
The best ways to communicate your message this Christmas.
by Ryan Hamm | posted December 20, 2007
Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for churches—families show up together, grudges against churches are momentarily forgotten, and visitors stream in. But it's often so difficult to figure out the best way to establish a mood that will not only serve the non-regulars, but also will serve the indigenous culture that has naturally arisen in the church body. We think videos are a good way to start establishing any mood in your services. Here are 10 of our favorite Christmas videos, in no particular order:
A Child is Born
Sometimes, it's good to be reminded exactly why we celebrate Christmas. This little animated vignette from Igniter Media Group tells the Christmas story in its entirety—the circumstances in which Jesus was born and the details of the Nativity, culminating into a powerful statement about Christ's sacrifice for us. It's perfect for any setting—kids will love the animation, and adults will appreciate the powerful message.
Advent Conspiracy Liberia 1
Have you ever thought about how much money the church community spends on gifts? Now think about the stuff in your closet from Christmases past that you've never really used. This video from the Work of the People encourages us all to reflect on ways we can help people all over the world instead of buying more stuff that we don't need. The best part of the video (and its accompanying series): It's free!
Christmas Morph Loop
It's easy to look at where we are today and forget that Christianity has had a long and important history of contributing to the arts. But here's a great video to remind us—and to give us a great metaphor of the Incarnation in the process. This loop from Beamer Films morphs various classical paintings, changing and becoming something new with each moment.
A Christmas Response
How do we respond to Christmas? Floodgate Productions turns this question on its head in this powerful video that looks at one response to the very first Christmas: The response of Mary. Listen to this dramatic rendition of Mary's words. Encourage your congregation with her powerful words and response to the gospel.
Christmas Song Countdown
This is, by far, the cheesiest video on this list. And that's exactly what makes it great. Not only is the countdown stuffed full of groan-worthy puns and ridiculous jokes, it's done so in the style of those pre-movie trivia games. And all of those qualities make this clip from Worship Films really fun. After all, if you can't be kitschy at Christmas, when can you be?
Jesus Christ, Hope of Glory
This video uses beautiful animation and a soaring choral soundtrack to tell the story of Christmas. Poignant and powerful, it's a perfect way to take a step back from the chaos and the craziness so often associated with the holiday. Use this clip from The Visual Church in your service to create an atmosphere of reverence and reflection.
Jesus and Santa
This animated clip from Igniter Media Group takes an unexpected (and funny) look at the ways our perceptions of Jesus and Santa overlap—and the ways we know they're different. This is a perfect way to start a conversation about God's grace, and how that differs from our standard "naughty/nice" paradigm.
Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel
This sad little video from the Work of the People is like a two-minute indie film—character is established over plot, and the video is just drab enough to make it seem like real life. The clip shows a man getting ready to be a mall Santa (which has to be depressing sometimes) as the titular song plays over the whole scene. It's minimalist, to be sure, but no less devastating because of it.
Red Stripe Candle Distressed
This countdown is beautiful in its simplicity. A distressed filter covers a simple striped candle as it burns down. This clip from Organic Videos is a perfect way to establish a mood of Christmas reflection before your service even starts.
Vintage Christmas
This looping backdrop from FortyOneTwenty is a perfect combination of so many great things about Christmas: The colors, snowflakes, and retro-cool sweater patterns (seriously, that's what the video looks like). This (and its video partners) makes perfect backdrops for any Christmas-related service.
What is the Christmas Story?
There may be no better way to connect with your culture than to listen to what they have to say. That's why "person-on-the-street" videos like this one (from Highway Video) are so valuable. Asking people what they think the "Christmas story" is (most people seem to associate this phrase with the Red Ryder BB gun now), the filmmakers get some pointed and provocative responses.
Check out our entire Christmas collection—now with more than 450 items!
Ryan Hamm is assistant editor of FaithVisuals.com. | 
Back to top
