Although it is still early November, the calendar of family Christmas activities already is beginning to fill up. Bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado will share the Christmas story in “Max Lucado’s Because of Bethlehem,” which will be shown in theaters nationwide on December 5, 6, and 7.
The movie will feature Lucado’s own holiday memories and the lifechanging Christmas story alongside a variety of star-studded artist performances by CeCe Winans, Matthew West, Anne Wilson, Matt Maher and Evan Craft. Inspired by his bestselling book, “Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope is Here,” he shows how the Bethlehem story, with all its fumbles, awkwardness and longing, illustrates how God is with us in ways we could never imagine. “Christmas tells us that God knows what it is like to be a human,” Lucado said.
This event, recorded earlier this year in Nashville in front of a live audience, reminds everyone that the spirit of Christmas is much more than a pretty tree with presents piled underneath. The film, directed by Steve Gilreath, celebrates and reflects the true gift of the season.
“I love Christmas,” Lucado said. “It invites us to believe the wildest of promises: God became one of us so we could become one with him. Clear the table; clear the calendar. Call the kids and neighbors. Christmas is here. Christ is here.”
“We are thrilled to bring this Christ-centered Christmas production to theaters all across the country,” said David Pierce, chief media office of the Educational Media Foundation. “With every word spoken and voices raised in song, audiences will experience the absolute joy of the season in celebration of the world’s greatest gift.”
Given recent world events, people need the Christmas story more than ever.
“Because of Bethlehem, we are given the honor to interact with God, hear his thoughts and witness the magnificence of his glory in both the good and bad parts of life,” Lucado said. “Jesus brought the message to us in order that we would know truth and be truth in a dark world.”
Theater and ticket information are available at www.fathomevents.com/events/max-lucados-because-of-bethlehem/
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice
