Heartwarming and tear-jerking, these are just two words that describe the new movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

Starring Judy Greer, Lauren Graham, and Beatrice Schneider, the Best Christmas Pageant Ever displays the true meaning of Christmas through the local church’s Christmas pageant. Funny, cozy, and meaningful. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever encapsulated what Christmas is all about. 

The movie is an adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s classic book about the Herdman family, a family with children that are completely out of control, known for fighting, stealing, and causing problems. The small town, Emmanuel’s church is hosting their annual Christmas pageant, and to add to the excitement, it is the 75th anniversary. The Herdman children decide that they want to be a part of the show, and take all the lead roles, causing pure chaos. 

Throughout the movie displays that the Christmas story isn’t a glamorous picture of an angelic Mary giving birth to her baby Jesus in a clean stable, surrounded by angels and animals. It reminds the viewer that Jesus was born for the messy, imperfect, and dysfunctional believer. He was born in a chaotic situation, to love the imperfect people. 

Senior Kennedy Lane said, “I went in thinking that I would be watching yet another movie about Christmas being all about family, friends, and joy. I thought Throughout the movie, the Herdman’s show a childlike faith, and watching them learn the Christmas story for the first time reminds the viewer of the magnitude and beauty in the true gift that Christ is.”

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever discusses themes of prejudice, community, transformation, and fresh perspectives on tradition. It is heartwarming and guaranteed to put a smile on any viewer’s face. People of all ages and backgrounds would love this movie and it is a definite 10/10 for its plot, cast and meaning.