The Virtual Pew Daily: When Faith and Film Collide

Despite the criticism that often comes about to the faith community, there are times that miracles happen. They are miracles beyond imagination. As one who loves film and is a person of faith, there are few things as exciting as seeing the possibilities of what can happen when faith and film collide.

Many know I love Christmas, in fact, every Christmas I am involved in a number of things that frankly, yes, I will say, unapologetically brings me a great deal of pleasure. I get to play about a month long gig of being Santa Claus. I especially enjoy the opportunities of serving the homeless as Santa as well as poor children by delivering Christmas presents on Christmas Eve to families who otherwise wouldn’t get to enjoy Christmas.

This Christmas there is something special occurring that I would like to get an early plug in for, that is the collaboration between Walden Media, and the film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed up by Franklin Graham. Graham stated, “We’re very excited to participate in the upcoming release of the movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. We want children around the world to know the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and the joy and hope that this brings.”

The third installment of the movie within the Chronicle of Narnia series, written by apologist, C.S. Lewis opens in theaters this Christmas. Operation Narnia however, has already started. The project involves the delivery of shoe boxes filled with Christmas gifts for children around the world. This year they anticipate the delivery of presents to over 8 million children in over 100 countries. Delivery will take place as it has in the past, via plane, train, automobile, even dog sled and camels. Those presents however come from families and individuals who truly understand the power of giving. People will discover the joy of giving to someone during a time that would otherwise have those children going without. The gifts are intended to be reminders of the gift God gave to humanity, which is celebrated at Christmas, the gift of a babe born in a manger, Jesus of Nazareth otherwise known as the Prince of Peace. For many of the children receiving gifts, it will be the first presents they have ever received. Imagine the faces of a little girl opening up and getting her first baby doll, or a little boy opening up and finding a toy truck or car. There are also necessity items that are packed, such as tooth brushes, soap, school supplies and more.

This year, to know a popular movie, from a series I love, is actually doing something, it is time some of us gave them the kudos they deserved. Personally, I applaud this collaboration; it is nice to see presents delivered to children all over the world, despite the religious beliefs and preference of those children and their families. In a world, and in a time when it seems that so often, faith and film are at conflict, we can see a faith community and film community come together. Not just with each other, but with those of us in the movie going audience who have the opportunity to bless others. For more information on how you can help make the difference in a child’s life, and for instructions regarding this project, visit, www.operationnarnia.org I challenge, make a difference, do something special, make this collaboration not just between Walden Media and Samaritans Purse, allow yourself to be a part of that effort because really, it is through you that some child will receive a gift at Christmas. In a world with so much conflict, isn’t it time we found ways to come together?

To see more information and a trailer from the movie, click the following video, if the video doesn't appear, click the following link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zblX6mwHePo