Holiday Christian Movies Guide 2016: New DVD Releases

By GH Newsroom
Holiday Movies

The holiday season gives us the perfect opportunity to catch-up on some Christian films we may have missed in the theaters. Below are some suggested faith-oriented movies that released earlier this year. Be sure to check out reviews from Movieguide (www.movieguide.org) or Plugged In (www.pluggedin.com) to make sure these movies are right for you and your family. 

Have A Merry Christmas!

HILLSONG - LET HOPE RISE

DVD Release Date: Tuesday, December 20

About: It's all about Him.

Capturing the on-stage energy and off-stage hearts of the Australia-based band Hillsong UNITED, HILLSONG: LET HOPE RISE is a new motion-picture genre: the theatrical worship experience. The film features powerful performances of beloved songs such as "Oceans" and "Hosanna."

Cast: Joel Houston, Taya Smith, Jad Gillies, JD Douglass, Dylan Thomas, Matt Crocker

Rating: PG

For additional information log on to www.hillsongmovie.com

GREATER

DVD Release Date: Tuesday, December 20

About: Arriving just in time for the holidays, Greater, is an inspirational film that follows the true story of Brandon Burlsworth who is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Brandon dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but was told he wasn't good enough to play Division I ball. Undeterred, Brandon took a risk and walked on in 1994. Written off by fellow teammates and coaches, Brandon displayed dogged determination in the face of staggering odds. The awkward kid who once was an embarrassment to his teammates and an annoyance to his coaches, ended up becoming the most respected player in the history of the program, changing the lives of all he touched.

Cast: Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, Leslie Easterbrook

Rating: PG

For additional information log on to: www.greaterthemovie.com

BEN-HUR

DVD Release Date: Tuesday December 13

About: From producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes an "epic and awe-inspiring" story of faith and forgiveness. Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) is enslaved by the Romans after being betrayed by his best friend Messala (Toby Kebbell). Separated from his family and the woman he loves, Ben-Hur is rescued from near death by the mysterious Ilderim (Academy Award Winner Morgan Freeman).

He returns to his homeland seeking revenge against his brother and an empire, but instead he finds a chance for redepemption.

Cast: Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, Morgan Freeman

Rating: PG-13

For more information go to www.benhurmovie.com

MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN

DVD Release Date: Available now

About: Miracles From Heaven is based on the incredible true story of the Beam family. When Christy discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes an advocate for her daughter's healing as she searches for an answer. After Anna falls into a hallowed out tree, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored, and their community inspired.

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rodgers, Martin Henderson, Queen Latifah

Rating: PG

For more information go to http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/miraclesfromheaven/

GOD'S NOT DEAD 2

DVD Release Date: Available now

About: God's Not Dead 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2014 Pure Flix movie God's Not Dead. Back in Hope Springs, high school teacher Grace Wesley begins helping Brooke, a student in need after the loss of her brother. During their time together, Grace shares the hope she finds in Christ.

When Brooke asks a question about God in the classroom, Grace answers reasonably, and almost immediately finds herself in a heap of trouble. The principal and superintendent join forces with a zealous civil liberties group, and Grace faces an epic court case that could cost her the career she loves and expel God from the classroom-and the public square-once and for all!

Cast: Melissa Joan Hart, Jesse Metcalfe, Pat Boone, David A.R. White, Sadie Robertson

Rating: PG

For more information go to http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/ 

  • ‘Wang Mingdao’s Diary’ reproduction highlights complexities of contemporary Chinese Christianity

    On December 9, the China Graduate School of Theology (中国神学研究院) hosted a public lecture titled “A Courageous Witness in the Times—Launch of Wang Mingdao (王明道)’s Diary.” The lecture, themed “Faith Patterns in Beijing’s Christian Churches Through the Lens of Wang Mingdao’s Diary,” featured Dr. Ni Buxiao (倪步晓), Associate Director and Assistant Professor at the Christian Faith and Chinese Culture Research Center of Alliance Bible Seminary (建道神学院), as the keynote speaker.

  • Floating library ‘Doulos Hope’ arrives in Taiwan; spreading love and hope from a former cruise ship

    Doulos Hope, the international floating book fair ship, has returned to Taiwan and is now docked at Kaohsiung Port, open to the public from December 18, 2024, to January 12, 2025. Originally built in 1991 and renovated in 2022, the ship features over 2,000 books on various topics, including faith, science, and art. It is operated by a diverse crew of 140 volunteers from 25 countries, offering services such as education, healthcare, and community outreach. The ship's mission is to spread hope and

  • Chinese Online School of Theology publishes annual ministry report: Expanding Chinese theological education through new strategies

    In the 2023-2024 academic year, New York-based Chinese Online School of Theology (COST) has seen significant development in expanding its ministry in theological education and mission outreach. They have promoted a series of new events and projects to explore different strategies that expand theological education for Chinese ministers. The following are some highlights from the 2023-2024 annual report:

  • Dr. Fenggang Yang: How foreign forces transformed traditional Chinese legal systems

    In a recent lecture to Chinese Christians, scholar Dr. Fenggang Yang (杨凤岗) gave an in-depth analysis of the historical evolution and contemporary significance of the modern legal system in Chinese society. He explored the tensions and integrations between traditional law and modern rule of law, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of China’s traditional legal system and emphasizing the role of foreign influences in introducing modern legal practices into Chinese society.