Christmas Child (2003)

A life-sized nativity leads a man to learn about his past and lost family. Studio: Gaiam Americas Release Date: 11/08/2005 Run time: 94 minutes Product Description

Christmast Child

This movie I saw on TV last year. I thought it was something else. I nearly nixed it, but wanted to watch a little bit more. Finally, I got involved with the search and had to see the solution to the mystery. This is a good movie. I recommend it highly. December 24, 2007

Perfect Christmas Film

When I first saw a few minutes of this movie, I was afraid it might be a trite TV film. After deciding to read the Lucado book it's based on, however, watching the film became a must and I am so glad to own this treasure! It does both the gem of a book it's based on and its brilliant author Max Lucado proud.

A young husband and journalist, Jack Davenport, is in search of his past and clues to his birth parents. His search takes him to Clearwater Texas, where he finds several more crossroads and many kind, though sometimes secretive people. This movie is perfectly true to the book, though of course several characters and a big stretch of time is added. In the book, for example, Jack finds what he's searching for the same day of his arrival in the small town; in the movie, naturally, more time was needed and it takes him several days and a lot of frusteration before he finds what he seeks. The transition from book to film was brilliantly done; this gorgeous movie simultaneously stands by itself well and perfectly compliments the book.

The addition of characters in the film were wonderful and, rather than being a cheesy TV film, this gem is wonderfully realistic. I've rarely ever seen a TV film which portrays such realistic and fleshed-out characters and situations. This beautiful film, while aimed at grown-ups, is not inappropriate for children and could serve as a prime family film. With its timeless message of love, committment, forgiveness, and redemption, I know I'll be treasuring it forever :) December 21, 2007

A Christmas story for grownups.

Unlike so many Christmas stories where everything is all nice and neat and tied with a bow, this is more true to life. A childless couple's marriage is having some problems, Jack (William Moses) is going through an identity crisis and a dry spell in his writing career. His wife Meg (Megan Follows) is going through some changes of her own and seeks a nice romantic holiday in which to share them. This is not to be and Jack's need to go away to do a story in Dallas is feeling like the last straw for her. His career needs the story, but he also needs to find some answers about his past and detours to Clearwater to find them. Jack does act like a bit of a jerk, guys going through career, marriage, and personal problems often do. The way he is treated by those who work with him indicate that he is a nice guy but is maybe being hard on Meg who wants more than he has been able to give for a while.
Megan Follows doesn't get nearly the screen time I would have liked, but she is impeccable as a loving wife who is facing doubts about the future of her relationship with her husband just as she needs him to be closer than ever. She is able to say so much with a look and expression and is the best I've seen at emotional scenes, and there are a few. She also has a chance to get dolled up for a party and is simply lovely.
The supporting cast is competent and often shines. Fans of Steven Curtis Chapman will be happy with his role as the Pastor and are familiar with his advocacy of adoption, a thread that runs through the film. All of the roles seem well filled and the story has a natural feel to it. All in all it is a good clean story of finding, or remembering that the things that are really important in life aren't things. The behind the scenes look is very well done and covers all aspects of the story from the idea behind the book to adaptation to film, including the creation of a life sized nativity carved from solid blocks of wood like the one that inspired the story. View the trailer online to get a feel for this Christmas time story that is more for daddies and mommies than tiny tots. December 5, 2007

Exellent Christmas Movie

A wonderful story with a Christmas and Christian message. A must-have for any Christmas library. November 24, 2007

I liked it...

but the acting is not that great. It is typical of a lot of Christian movies though. The story line is great and can be viewed by all family members.

A husband and wife are going through a tough time in their marriage so one of them goes on a journey of sorts to find out more about themself and where they came from. A beautiful ending to a very good movie. November 23, 2007

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