One traditional Christmas holiday theme that has been imbedded in popular culture is the hope of the season. Classic Christmas films such as "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" have warmed hearts and brought joy to generations since the late 1940s. More recent movies like "Klaus" and "Jingle Jangle" capture the optimism that many children cling to at Christmas while going through dire situations. Like the child characters in these two movies, many children in real life still believe in something phenomenal to happen that will change their lives during the holidays. Their childlike faith is strong enough to act as a robust shield against the troubles they are facing.

The timeless storylines of hope in these films that we have all enjoyed during Christmas are always uplifting. Who wouldn't get a good laugh watching "Klaus," as postman Jesper Johansson's gawkiness is annoying yet motivating enough for Mr. Clause to let him be a sidekick delivering toys in the dismal town of Smeerensberg? In "Jingle Jangle," who isn't inspired by the determination of 10-year-old Journey to save her grandfather's trade as a toymaker after his brutal betrayal from his apprentice? For the more adult-centered plots in "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life," it never gets old seeing characters like Susan Walker and George Bailey triumph over daunting situations.

You may have snuggled up in blankets with hot chocolate and family to watch these and other Christmas favorites already, and as you're going down your holiday must-see list, I encourage you to also seek out films that focus on the true meaning of hope this season, the birth of Christ. One that comes to mind is "The Nativity Story," which was released in 2006. Now, the critics hated this film, giving it a lowly 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus calling it "a dull retelling of a well-worn tale." However, for those who rejoice in the gift of salvation coming to the world through Christ, this story is never worn or dull. Why? It's because we are celebrating, as one of my devotionals beautifully stated this week, "the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus." I believe this is the reason "The Nativity Story" got a 76% audience rating. Retelling the miracle of God coming down as flesh through His Son powerfully resonates with those who seek hope not just during Christmas but each day of their lives.

Two years ago, one viewer on YouTube expressed admiration of this film due to it being "well-balanced" and "moving," but also showing God "coming into the midst" of Mary and Joseph's lives while "they are going about an otherwise normal human existence." The latter part of this statement is significant because many of the time-honored Christmas films that we enjoy also have a narrative of folks just getting through life until they confront perplexing circumstances that are beyond their ability to control. While they do overcome with a fulfilling ending, a film like "The Nativity Story" delves deeper into the magnificent reality of God desiring to personally be our "fortress," "buckler" and "high tower" that King David wrote about in Psalm 18:2. That's the trifecta of hope that we need year-round.

As I am settling in to relax and celebrate Christmas, "The Nativity Story" will be in the mix of movies that I watch with my mother. I'm definitely going to watch some holiday classics, but I also want to prioritize time in reflecting on the precious, spiritual relationship of God within me. This is something that I think many people miss while getting caught up in the heartening, cultural moments of the season but end up still feeling profound emptiness. The good news of the Christmas message, however, is that God has always been reaching out to connect with His unfailing love.

Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at smojc.jj@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JjSmojc. To find out more about Jessica Johnson and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: articgoneape at Pixabay