Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. ⁷ For there are three that testify: ⁸ the^[a] Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. ⁹ We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. ¹⁰ Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. ¹¹ And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life, 1 John 5:6-12.

Biblical Connection:

A little girl befriends Jason after his car and home are repossessed. Sleeping on a park bench for two weeks, Emily has compassion on Jason who is dealing with the death of his grandfather. After seeing Emily without her wig on, Jason goes to see her at church. This is where Emily opens up about the terminal disease she is battling. This illness leads Emily to consider the afterlife.

Today’s passage is written by a former disciple of Jesus. Known as the disciple whom Jesus loved, John is fighting against a false teaching spreading at the end of the first century. As someone who personally knew Jesus, John explains who Jesus was and why He came down from heaven to live on earth. 1 John 5:13 declares that you can know for sure your eternal destiny by believing in Jesus.

Closing Song:

What you do after Christmas Day is to abide, inspire and lead others into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-10. First, lead by example, John 10:10. Second, be honest and open about your own daily personal struggles, 1 John 1:8-10. Finally, faith is a journey which requires encouragement, a helping hand and mentors to guide the lost and lonely, Luke 19:10.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1990 movie “Home Alone”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ²⁶ If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷ but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:19-27.

Biblical Connection:

Kevin McCallister is grounded, sent to his room the night before a family trip to Paris, France. Sleeping in on the third floor, Kevin wakes up to an empty house, forgotten by his family in a rush to get to the airport. While this comedy went on to make successful sequels, Christmas is meant to celebrate together, like the shepherds who rejoiced upon hearing the news of Jesus’ birth.

The author of Hebrews stresses the role that other people play in your life. First of all, getting together with a group of like-minded believers conceives a spiritual desire of wanting to spend more time together. Meanwhile, these gatherings also provide a form of accountability, especially for Christians struggling with addiction, bad habits or unwholesome cravings.

Closing Song:

When my father passed away in 2023, I wasn’t sure if the annual tradition of Christmas at my parents’ house would continue. Yet, two years later, with a couple of grandchildren added to my family, this celebration presses on. If you’re not part of a family, may you find comfort in a family of believers at a local church to celebrate Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Rudy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. ²¹ “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” ²² “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. ²³ Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” ²⁴ When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. ²⁵ Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:20-28.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel Eugene “Rudy” Ruettiger was a walk on at Notre Dame. At the end of his junior year, the head coach promised Rudy that he would dress one game in his final season. Unfortunately, Coach Ara Parseghian was fired, and new head Coach Devine wasn’t willing to fulfill this promise. This is when the leaders on Notre Dame offered their own spot on the roster so that Rudy could play.

John and James’ mom ask Jesus for a similar promise in private. When the other 10 disciples found out their mother’s request, they are angry. Jesus uses this teachable moment to remind his ministry team of their calling. Becoming a disciple of Jesus isn’t a spiritual achievement that you should brag about. Rather, disciples are servants, putting the needs of others before yourself.

Closing Song:

Rudy was part of the scout team at Notre Dame, trying to emulate the defense schemes of their next opponent week after week. Despite being beaten and crushed by the first-string offense day after day, Rudy would get on any starter who let up on a play. This passion led leaders on the team to respect Rudy as well as offer up their own starting spot so that Rudy could suit up for his first and along game in college.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2019 movie “Last Christmas”

Bible Verse of Day:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we^[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. ⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die, Romans 5:1-7.

Biblical Connections:

According to statistics from 2024, 170 million Americans are registered organ donors. This information can be found on a driver’s license as depicted in today’s scene. The History Channel’s show the Unexplained recently aired an episode on how heart transplant recipients experience a connection with their deceased donor. These are the emotions that Kate feels a year later.

The apostle Paul writes to members at the Church in Rome about the hope and peace brought by Jesus. Paul does use a rare situation when a human being would be willing to lay down their life. If heart transplants were available in the first century, perhaps Paul would encourage Christians to donate their organs. However, Jesus laid down His life for everyone, Romans 6:23.

Closing Song:

Instead of buying someone a gift, you could simply add organ to your driver’s license. This selfless act would set the stage for a different kind of Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2008 movie “The Least of These”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. ¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[c] you want, Galatians 5:13-17.

Biblical Connection:

Andre James return to his old Catholic high school to replace a priest who suddenly vanishes. Like any new teacher, Father James has big shoes to fill. Similar to a Catholic confession, a student comes to Father James seeking answers to understand good from evil. This leads to a discussion on heaven and hell which is rooted in the human battle between your flesh and the Holy Spirit.

While addressing an ongoing crisis in the Church at Galatia, the apostle Paul explains why individuals give into peer pressure. As a sect of Jewish Christians sought to force Gentile converts to practice rigid Jewish traditions, Paul intervened. Freedom is based in love not coercion. Subsequently, good and evil come down to following God or indulging your sinful nature.

Closing Song:

God didn’t create human robots. Instead, free will allows every individual to make a series of choices each and every day. According to Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-18, the choices you make in life will lead towards life or death. Christians who keep in steps with the Holy Spirit follow the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, the road less traveled. Decisions fueled by fleshly desires lead to the broad road, a path of least restrictions toward evil. Choose wisely this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 movie “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Bible Verse of the Day:

(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[c]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) ¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, Ephesians 4:9-13.

Biblical Connection:

The underlining message of today’s scene points to spiritual gifts and talents. Unfortunately, many of these stay hidden for a lifetime until an elder, mentor or pastor help you uncover this untapped potential. While Father Christmas provides weapons for the upcoming war against the White Witch, Christians must be proactive in discovering spiritual gifts in their youth.

The apostle Paul highlights Jesus’ part in laying out the biblical foundation for a first century church. Jesus poured his life into training 12 disciples who spent 3 years learning under His leadership. In the book of Acts, apostles are sent out as missionaries to fulfill the great commission, Acts 1:8. Ultimately, Christians serve in the role or roles God has gifted you.

Closing Song:

Sometimes moments of reflection enable you to see a gift from your past that went unappreciated. Meanwhile, life is a journey where other treasures take time to uncover. As you seek to find the right gifts for family and friends this Christmas, don’t neglect the spiritual talents that are ready to be put into practice, 2 Timothy 1:5.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 movie “Love Actually”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. ¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love. ¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. ¹⁷ I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition, 1 Corinthians 16:12-18.

Biblical Connection:

 Love Actually follows eight different couples in the month before Christmas. Taking place in London, England, today’s scene has a man who risks failure to pursue the woman he loves. Instead of buying an extravagant gift, this man is creative, using a series of notecards to express his love. Before you set out to purchase Christmas gifts this year, give something sentimental and special.

The apostle Paul shares updates about future visits from Christian missionaries. Paul urges Apollos to return, following up with individuals that he led to faith in Christ. Knowing the ordeals and unexpected circumstances that life brings, Paul urges members of the Church at Corinth to stand firm in their faith. When love inspires your actions, the greatest gift you can give to others is Jesus.

Closing Song:

Leaving is often associated with a negative connotation. However, in today’s song, Leaving Jesus refers to living and taking your faith whenever you go. Don’t go broke this Christmas trying to impress loved ones. Rather, keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, to give a different kind of gift this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1970 movie “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator, Colossians 3:7-10.

Biblical Connection:

Kris Kringle comes from the German name Christ-kind. When translated into English Christ-kind means Christ child. In the context of Christmas, Kris Kringle refers to the gift giver during celebrations. This jolly man is now associated with America’s Santa Claus. In today’s scene, Kringle attempts to bring joy to little children during a time when toys were illegal.

To become alive spiritually, the apostle Paul encourages first century Christians to put on a new self. This process involves recreation by refreshing one’s life. Unlike typical recreation centered around recharging your passion for life, putting on a new self starts with rejecting acts of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21. Then, you emulate Jesus by pursuing the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

Closing Song:

My acting career was limited to a Christmas play and solo. I was a shepherd who sang the second stanza of the original Go Tell It On the Mountain. “When I was a young one, I prayed both night and day. I asked the Lord to help me and He showed me the way.” As modern-day Christians learn to put on the new self, God calls you to share your faith journey with others. May this Christmas season inspire you to tell others about Jesus.

by Jay Mankus