🎄 Christmas Movies Arrive This Week! 🎁 Receive the First Gift of Christmas Here:

As we prepare for a new season of Christmas movies coming later this week, I thought today would be a good time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate. My heart’s desire is to always make the focus of the season on the One who came that first Christmas Day to save us from our sins... Jesus!

Sometimes the busyness of the season can pull us in all sorts of directions, but it’s important to take some quiet time and rejoice in the first precious gift given to us all.

Here are 3 points to encourage you in your walk with the Lord this Christmas season...

1. God sent His Son, Jesus, for You!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ~John 3:16

God, the Father, gave us Jesus so we could be saved. He seeks our hearts and calls us His children. God has such an amazing love for us...

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ~Romans 5:8

Even before we took our first breath, God made a way possible for us to be forgiven of our sins and spend eternity with Him. What a precious gift from our Heavenly Father!

2. Jesus is the True Gift of Christmas!

"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." ~Luke 2:7

The word wrapped always jumps out at me in this scripture. She (Mary, His mother) wrapped Him (baby Jesus) in swaddling clothes. Since Jesus is the first gift of Christmas, then that means Mary wrapped the very first gift!

Just like mothers wrap gifts each Christmas all around the world, how meaningful that the first gift was wrapped by Jesus’ loving mother.

Every year we all seek the perfect present for family and friends, but the most important, perfect, priceless gift of love was born over 2000 years ago in a manger, Jesus!

3. Receive your Gift... Receive Jesus!

Why did Jesus come? God sent His Son as a light to save us, in this dark world, from us our sins. Jesus was crucified on a cross and resurrected so we could be born again.

John 1:14 tells us "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

It’s God’s amazing grace towards us that forgives us of our sins. When we ask for forgiveness and invite Him into our hearts, He is gracious enough to forgive us.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~1 John 1:9

That is God's promise to us, His children. I pray you will receive the first incredible gift of Christmas today, Jesus, and walk with Him throughout this holy Christmas season.


Prayer:

Father, thank you for giving us your Son that first Christmas. Forgive me, Lord, of my sins and guide me each day in my walk with you. Help me daily to seek you and live out the grace you’ve given me toward others. Wrap me in your love, joy, and peace this Christmas. Prepare my heart for receiving this amazing gift.

In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen!


Whatever season you are in today in your life, know that God sees you, He loves you and cares deeply about you. James 4:8 reminds us that if you draw near to God, He’ll draw near to you.

May God be with you, bless you, 

and keep you all this Christmas season and always, Net

🎄 Merry Christmas, dear Friends! 🎄 My Christmas Card to You...

What a Wonderful Christmas Season and Year it has been,

once again,

at "It's a Wonderful Movie"!

It's always a joy to reminiscence with dear friends,

who often visit and share,

and meet new ones, as well,

who I've added to my prayers.

I hope many of you have enjoyed

building special friendships here

and watching some delightful New Christmas Movies

and lots of beloved Christmas classics - all year!

I appreciate each and every one who visits...

all the comments, thoughts and wonderful movie reviews!

Here's my Christmas Card to All of You...

"And she shall bring forth a Son,

and thou shalt call His name JESUS:

for He shall save His people from their sins. "

~Matthew 1:21

When I think of Christmas, I think of the glowing lights, the cherished gifts, the holy star, angels on high, pure white snow, the excitement of little ones and so many lovely things!

All of these Christmas treasures tie in to the Holy birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came as a tiny little baby that first Christmas to save us from our sins.

On that first Christmas night when the star shown bright and the angels sang, Jesus was that first Light, the Light of the World. If we receive Him, then we, too, come out of the darkness and into the Light.

The Greatest Gift of all was given in a stable on that first Christmas. Love!

In order to receive Jesus, all we have to do is ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us of our sins. 

Then He washes us white as snow!

Traditionally, again this Christmas, I will be spending the day with my family. I love when everyone comes home! Before any gifts are unwrapped, my Father reads the Christmas story from Luke 2 in the Bible, and everyone listens intently as we think upon that first Christmas long, long ago. Jesus is always the first gift we receive Christmas morning. Then, we take turns unwrapping gifts from under the tree... appreciating the time together, the presents given, and enjoying the moment. Also, in my heart... I'll be remembering Christmases past and treasuring all of the precious memories - in the midst of making new ones!

If you're looking for more Christmas programming, old and new, then be sure to visit the Christmas Schedule, which includes the new Lifetime Christmas movies premiering this week, GAC Family's Christmas Day movie marathon, plus It's a Wonderful Life (a cherished favorite!), 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (the endearing classic cartoon!), Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers (tells the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus!), and more beloved, can't miss Christmas classics: Home Alone, Meet Me in St. Louis, and White Christmas!

Also, see the Christmas Movie Review page - to see which NEW Christmas movies from 2021 are family friendly.

God's Blessings to You

during this Holy Christmas Season!

Thank you for being a special part of the

*It's a Wonderful Movie* family!

Be sure to stay tuned for more news on Family TV Movies

and Christmas Movies throughout the Year in 2022!

Wishing You much Love and Joy

this Christmas!

God Bless Us, Everyone!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Glory to the newborn King!

From my home to yours...

Merry Christmas to You All! Net

Luke 2:8-14

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

******************

🎄 *Merry Christmas* dear 'It's a Wonderful Movie' Family & Friends! 🎄

Merry Christmas!
JOY to the World - The LORD has Come!

May the true GIFT of Christmas, JESUS, the Christ Child, who was born in a manger, fill our hearts and homes with joy and peace.

Whether you're wrapping gifts, reading a special Christmas story, baking sugar cookies in the shapes of stars, bells & trees, watching a Christmas movie this week, or simply enjoying some quiet time, this Christmas may we cherish precious memories of Christmases from the past and embrace the Lord's "presence" above all of the Christmas "presents" under the tree!

Also, be sure to look in the sky for something else besides Santa's sleigh! On the first day of winter, Monday, December 21st, 2020 - Jupiter and Saturn will appear to be very close in the southwestern skyline, creating the look of one bright star from earth. The last time this occured was over 800 years ago! According to ChristianToday.com, "the most famous great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occurred in 7 B.C.—auspiciously close to the birth of Jesus. Close enough that some believe that the great conjunction is the Star of Bethlehem." Isn't that spectacular? Be sure to look on Monday about 45 minutes to an hour after sunset and around 15 degrees above the horizon. If you happen to miss the peak of this event on Monday, the 21st, rest assured the planets will still be very close for days afterwards as they gradually part ways once again.

"Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light."
(lyrics from "We Three Kings")


During this Christmas week... if you're wanting to catch some good old Christmas classics, there are still plenty to see, including It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve, Meet Me in St. Louis, It Happened on 5th Avenue, The Santa Clause trilogy, Home Alone, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and many more! See the Christmas Movie Schedule for times airing.

If you'd like to binge watch movies on Christmas day, look for a full day marathon of It's a Wonderful Life - on Friday from 6am/5c. to 12am/11c on the E! Entertainment channel, and for those who have Hallmark Drama, there's a "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" first season and movie marathon soooo BIG - it takes two days - Saturday, December 26th & Sunday, December 27th!

Back to Christmas week... Even though Hallmark, UPtv, and ION have finished airing their new Christmas movies for the 2020 holiday season, Lifetime still has FOUR MORE NEW CHRISTMAS MOVIES to premiere this week! However, please note: after Christmas they won't replay on Lifetime - so you better catch them now or you may have to wait until next year!

 

Lifetime's Christmas Week - Christmas Movie Premieres:

Monday, December 21, 2020:

Spotlight on Christmas
premieres at 8pm/7c.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020:

The Christmas High Note
premieres at 8pm/7c.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020:

Christmas at the Castle
premieres at 8pm/7c.

Friday, December 25, 2020 - Christmas Day!:

My Sweet Holiday
premieres at 8pm/7c.

If you want more details on these Lifetime Christmas Movies
- click here!

*Please know- I have NOT pre-screened these NEW Christmas movies listed above. If you happen to watch one of the new Christmas movies this week and want to share whether or not it is a family friendly movie, please stop back by and leave a comment. I know everyone here would be grateful to know any information you are willing to share.

🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟

When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas

Encores at 8pm/7c. 

on Friday, December 25, 2020 - Christmas Day 

As tradition goes, the Hallmark Channel and now, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, too, will have air many of their 2020 Christmas movie premieres commercial free - beginning Christmas Eve and airing into Christmas Day! (See reviews of the 2020 Christmas movies - here - to check out which new movies are family friendly!)

Unfortunately the cast of "When Calls the Heart" was unable to film a new Christmas movie this year; however, Hearties everywhere will get an extra special gift - with a preview of the upcoming new season during the re-airing of last year's WCTH Christmas movie: When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas on the Hallmark Channel, Christmas day, at 8pm/7c. Season 8 of "When Calls the Heart" will premiere on February 21, 2020!

🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟

When we get together on Christmas day, before any gift is opened, our family gathers around close and the story of Jesus' birth is read by my father from Luke 2. 

Here's a special print out of the scriptures from Luke, if you'd like to read it on Christmas day, post it on your refrigerator or share with loved ones...

* Click Here to enlarge and print *

I hope you have enjoyed 

many beloved Christmas Classics

and some delightful New Christmas Movies this year, too!

I appreciate everyone who visits here 

at It's a Wonderful Movie, 

and I'm most grateful to those who share a movie review!

Your *presence* here throughout the Christmas season 

and all throughout the year - 

is always a wonderful *present* to me and all who visit here!

Be sure to stay tuned for more news on Family TV Movies,

Christmas Movies and a whole lot of fun - throughout 2021!

THANK YOU to ALL my Blog Followers! Even though we've had to be socially distanced in the real world, I'm so glad we could all remain socially close here. I'm giving you all a virtual group hug... I'm so warmed by your thoughtful comments and friendship every day of the year! 

God's Blessings to You All!

May you have a very Merry Christmas and

a Happy, Joyous New Year!

In Christ's Love, Net

🌟🌟SHINING HIS LIGHT!🌟🌟

Luke 2:1-14 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

🌟MERRY CHRISTMAS🌟 to all of my dear *It's a Wonderful Movie* Friends & Family!!!

That first Gift of Christmas, the Christ Child, is the best Gift ever to be given. I pray many receive Him in their hearts this Christmas!

“For unto us is born this day in the city of David
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”

~Luke 2:11

If you're looking for a movie that shares the true meaning of Christmas, then be sure to watch on Christmas Eve UPtv's premiere presentation of...

Baby in a Manger

*This movie has the Dove seal of approval. Baby in a Manger is available on DVD at Amazon, and several reviewers there say this lighthearted film is ideal for family viewing.

Storyline via UP: With the help of a handsome young police officer, a social worker searches for the mother of a baby she has found abandoned in a nativity scene at her church.

Based on the best-selling Harlequin book “Child in a Manger.”

Watch Baby in a Manger

Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A Very Happy and Friends Yule Log 2019

Happy the Cat, Happy the Dog, and adorable adoptable kittens and puppies relax and play in front of a warm fireplace complimented by traditional holiday tunes. Special appearances by Pip Squeak the pig and other beautiful animals.

This 24-hour special Yule Log marathon begins Christmas Eve at 5pm/4c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Christmas Classics on Christmas Eve:

It's a Wonderful Life

Storyline: With the endearing message that 'no one is a failure who has friends,' Frank Capra’s heartwarming masterpiece continues to endure, and after over 70 years, this beloved classic still remains as powerful and moving as the day it was made.

(Available on Remastered DVD and Prime Video!)

Watch 'It's a Wonderful Life'

on Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

at 8pm/7c. on NBC

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Meet Me in St. Louis

(Available on DVD!)

Storyline: St. Louis 1903. The well-off Smith family has four beautiful daughters, including Esther and little Tootie. Seventeen-year old Esther has fallen in love with John, the boy next door who has just moved in. He, however, barely notices her at first. The family is shocked when Mr. Smith reveals that he has been transferred to a nice position in New York, which means that the family has to leave St. Louis just before the start of the St. Louis 1904 World's Fair.

Watch Meet Me in St. Louis

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

at 10pm/9c. on TCM

*TCM will also be playing other beloved Christmas Classics: It Happened on 5th Avenue, Holiday Affair, In the Good Ole Summertime (it's a Christmas movie too!), The Bishop's Wife, A Christmas Carol and others! See my Christmas Schedule for more details and times airing.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Christmas Day - December 25, 2019:

Premiering Christmas Night on the Hallmark Channel...

When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas

Storyline via Hallmark: Elizabeth prepares for Little Jack’s first Christmas and birthday, missing Jack more than ever. Nathan receives a prestigious job offer in Union City but weighs the downside of leaving Elizabeth and taking his niece away from Hope Valley. Lucas holds a Christmas festival to bring some of his family’s traditions to Hope Valley…and to impress Elizabeth. A detour on his way to see Faith leads Carson to a stranger in need of his help. Meanwhile, Rosemary and Lee search for the perfect gift for Little Jack, while Bill turns Hope Valley upside looking for a special gift that he misplaced. To see more details and images - click here!

Watch the premiere of When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas

Christmas Day

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Christmas Classics on Christmas Day:



*There are lots of wonderful Christmas movies and specials airing on Christmas Day, including: White Christmas, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, Love Finds Andy Hardy, plus many of the new 2019 Hallmark Christmas movies with no commercials (except maybe a few Hallmark promos) and more! See the Christmas Schedule for times airing!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Luke 2 Christmas Story - Printable...

CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE IMAGE & PRINT

Here's a print out of the Nativity Story you can read to your family. Our entire family gets together on Christmas day and my Daddy always leads us in the telling of the nativity story before any tangible gift is unwrapped. Our first gift is always receiving Jesus!

I hope and pray you all have a very Merry Christmas Day!!! Your *presence* here throughout the Christmas season and all throughout the year - is always a wonderful *present* to me and all who visit here!

Joyous Christmas Blessings to you all! Net

🌟🌟SHINING HIS LIGHT!🌟🌟

Luke 2:1-14 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Hallmark Channel on Christmas Day + December "Christmas Movie" Schedule!

On Christmas Day... the Hallmark Channel gives us:

‘THE TWELVE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS’, a 24-Hour Marathon

----- (Details via Hallmark Press Release) -----

Hallmark Channel Original Movie Special Event

Wednesday, December 25 – Thursday, December 26 (6a.m. – 6a.m. ET/PT)

As a special Christmas Day gift, Hallmark Channel presents “The Twelve Gifts of Christmas,” this seasons 12 Original Holiday Movies, in a 24-hour marathon, presented with limited commercial interruption all running back-to-back on Wednesday, December 25th beginning at 6 a.m. and running until 6 a.m. the following morning, Thursday, December 26th.


The Thanksgiving House       6am – 7:30am
Finding Christmas                   7:30am – 9am
Hats Off to Christmas!            9am – 10:30am
Santa Switch                            10:30am – 12pm
A Very Merry Mix-Up              12pm – 1:30pm
Catch a Christmas Star         1:30pm – 3pm
Snow Bride                                3pm – 4:30pm
Fir Crazy                                     4:30pm – 6pm
Window Wonderland              6pm – 7:30pm
The Christmas Spirit               7:30pm – 9pm
The Christmas Ornament       9pm – 10:30pm
Let it Snow                                 10:30pm – 12am


Thursday, December 26:

Snow Bride                                 12am – 2am
Catch a Christmas Star           2am – 4am
The Christmas Spirit                4am – 6am


It’s just another reason why, when it comes to the “Heart of Christmas,” Hallmark Channel is the place to be!

------------------------ end of excerpt from Hallmark Press Release ------------------------

 

 

 

See the Christmas TV Schedule

for the Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie Schedule

for November & December!

Thoughts of Christmas and more....

I hope you all had a Wonderful Christmas Day and Vacation with your Family and Friends!

It's nice to write you all again and tell you how much I enjoyed this Holy Season. I have warm special memories of Advent, Christmas Eve Candlelight, singing Christmas Carols, and listening to the greatest gift... in the story of Luke 2. Opening presents on Christmas Day was fun, too! But, I have always been most excited to give!

Also, I know a lot of you have e-mailed me questions since Christmas, and well, to make a long story short... Both my Nephew and I, started feeling "under the weather" on Christmas day... and we actually only made it through half our gifts. I am finally feeling much better today, but other family members have come down with it since. We still have "wrapped presents" under our tree.... so, we are planning (as Nanny tells Eloise) on Two Christmases, as soon as everyone is well! (I pray soon!)

So.... that's why, I'm just now getting back to answering your Questions. Many of you have wondered where the movie, An Old Fashioned Christmas, went the other night on the Hallmark Channel ~ when it was scheduled to be be played. I am looking into that and will let you know as soon as I do!

I will be doing some updating to a few pages around here - so stay tuned! Remember It's a Wonderful Movie is up all year and I cover all the new Family Movies I can find airing on TV all throughout the Year.... Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall... and back again to our Favorite Time of Year.... CHRISTMAS!

I hope you will all stay along for the journey into the New Year!

God's Blessings,
Net Movie Blogger

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas

MOVIE REVIEW

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas

Network: Hallmark Channel Original Christmas Movie

Original Air Date: November 20, 2010

CAST:

Jennifer Beals ... Angela Fox
Rick Roberts ... Wayne Fox
Rebecca Williams ... Hannah
Gage Munroe ... Toby

PLOT:

from the Hallmark Channel-

Holiday Themed Movie for Hallmark during Christmas-time.

The whimsical tale of a family trying to save the annual tradition...

Angela Fox and her husband, Wayne, together with their children, Hannah and Toby, find themselves on December 23 without a tree, presents or Christmas spirit. Like too many modern families, they have grown apart, too busy with their individual lives and schedules to spend time together, even on the holidays. All of this is about to change when, due to elf error, Santa sets out on the night before Christmas Eve and crashes on the roof of the Fox home. Santa’s sleigh is disabled, his magic gift bag is missing, and even worse, he has amnesia!

Will Christmas be lost or can the Fox family come together and save Christmas and, in the process, their holiday traditions?

With Santa's journey around the world in jeopardy of being cancelled, Toby, who still believes in the magic of Christmas, begs this family to get in the holiday spirit to help jog Santa's memory. As the fate of the holiday rests in their hands, the Foxes must work together to get Santa, and their family, back on track.

Movie Review:

coming...

See or Skip:

coming...

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