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At Christmas we are filled with love and kindness because the reason behind Christmas is absolute love- our Savior Jesus Christ. It wouldn’t be Christmas without sharing the Nativity story in our homes and with others. If you are looking for a visual way to enjoy the Christmas Story this year, I highly recommend these five films- there is something for everyone!

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Before You Start- Set it UP for a Sweet Nativity Discussion

Our Christmas Nativity wrappers can help your family discuss the beautiful story of Christ’s birth. Wrap some candies with our wrappers then place them all in a bowl. Invite everyone to pick one. Whoever is on the wrapper is the person they are supposed to pay extra attention to as they watch the movies.

What do you think they felt and thought?
What was something that impressed you about what they did?
How can we be like them or what can we learn from them?

After you watch a Nativity movie, go around the room and invite people to share their insights with that new perspective. You can also use the study page to look up scriptures or take notes of what is said. End the evening with your own testimony of Jesus Christ while enjoying your candy.

5 Nativity Movies for Christmas

The Christ Child

Probably, the most popular version today, The Christ Child: A Nativity Story (17:56) is the most recent one put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a more accurate portrayal. It’s absolutely beautiful with details that you may have never considered before. You can also watch the Behind the Scenes of the Making of the film which gives even more insights into the Christmas story. If you don’t know which one to pick for Christmas, choose this one. This movie ends with a visit from the wise men.

Why We Need a Savior

This is not your typical Nativity story. If your family is stuck in a rut of going through the motions, watch this one. It will help your family see the bigger picture. Why We Need a Savior (2:21) is a great reminder of all the beautiful things available to us because Christ was born in the manger all those years ago and chose to be our Redeemer. It also reminds us to receive these great gifts that Christ so freely gave us.

The First Christmas Spirit

This is a unique one seen through the eyes of Joseph and what it might have been like to be Christ’s father on earth. This one is especially great for parents! The First Christmas Spirit is about 6 1/2 minutes long and neat way to view some of the life of Jesus Christ. It opens with Joseph and Mary searching for Jesus. Christ is a youth at this point and is found teaching at the temple.

The Reason Behind Christmas

This short movie, The Reason Behind Christmas (3:43), is a great way to help bring back the focus on Christ. Children put on a play with a little surprise ending. Watch it on Christmas Eve as you think of some gifts you can give that will honor Christ. It’s also good to watch before or after you open your Christmas gifts to remind us of what the most important gifts are. If you have younger kids who are struggling to remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas, this is the one you want.

All The Parts One by One

If you enjoy reading more than Luke 2 at Christmas time, check out this page of the Christmas Story broken down into different parts. It includes the story of Elisabeth and Zachariah with the birth of John the Baptist as well. There is also one about the wise men. This is also a great resource if you need a shorter version of the Nativity story than the 18-minute The Christ Child one. The shortest one is The Nativity at almost 3 minutes.

BONUS- The Book of Mormon Christmas Story

Bring in the story of Christmas from the Book of Mormon. While the people in the Americas didn’t see angels, it was definitely a miraculous night. Samuel and the Star is a cute poetic version of the story that children are sure to enjoy. Note: The Church of Jesus Christ produced several live Book of Mormon films. There are some great ones of Christ visiting the Nephites but none of the Christmas story just yet.

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