Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers

I'm glad to support Christian movies in the theaters, but in this case it was very disappointing. The hour plus of CCM prior to the short episode was too long, and did not have very many well known artists. We asked each other - when is the actual movie going to start?

The short nativity episode was well acted and fits within the Chosen series, but was way too short to be in the theater. My wife and I went to the theater in support of the Chosen financially, and have given $ to support this kind of entertainment, but in this case we expected more.

I'd rather watch the Chosen from home on the TV and be able to FF to the actual episode. We're still looking forward to season 3 whenever that becomes available.

We didn't hate the movie, just felt like it could have been done much better. In this case it was a swing and a miss.

I would gladly have paid the money just to watch the episode, but I really wish I had been able to choose to skip the first hour or so.

If you go into this knowing that it's not a movie, but 15 music videos, some promotion, testimony, and then a single episode you will do well.

Just buy the ticket, then grab dinner, then come in halfway through it.

Dallas & team, I'll gladly watch this again in the future, but I did not need the first 90 minutes. Next time, please have the clip first, then let me leave. (Also, I didn't like that all the wide camera angles seemed to center on people's crotches...)

I love "The Chosen" series and wanted to support it by seeing "Christmas with the Chosen" in theaters. I knew there would be special music in addition to the story itself, but hadn't realized the story would only be about 25% of the viewing experience. CCM isn't really my cup of tea, and all the zoomed-in facial emoting didn't help. (The Bonner family, however, was wonderful, as were the children's choir pieces). I wouldn't want to discourage anyone from supporting a good cause or from sending a message to theaters that there is a market for good-quality Christian films like "The Chosen"... but just recognize that most of this film is not actually "The Chosen."

At the time I found out this movie would be in theatre, I was ecstatic, I told my 4 year old I was going to watch a movie that is the true story of Christmas. To my surprise, this "movie" was a cinematic event unlike any other I have seen. The music was stunning and uplifting, the presence of God, I could feel right next to me, the monologs were genius, and each one spoke to my soul and told me I must listen again and again. Then, right when I was starting to wonder if there would be a "movie" the chosen began. Captivating as it always is, the story unfolded in a way I have never seen done before. Humorous, devoted, beautiful, and bringing glory to the birth of Jesus. Then, it ended; and my hunger for more of my saviors story left me upset, upset because I wasn't ready to leave the presence of God. Upset because the production in its entirety brang you right into that amazing moment in time, as if a time capsul spilt out across the screen and I could almost touch the walls of Bethlehem. I wanted more. We all wanted more. As I left the theater, my husband brang me the vision I had been to distracted by my love for the story to see. The entire message of "The messengers" ... WE are the messengers. We are the ones who need to share the truth with the world, the truth that this isn't the end, the truth that if we know Jesus, we are free. Yes, I heard the message while watching the movie... but when my husband said it to me out loud, it made it all clear to me, and the movie in its entirety became brilliant. From wonderful and beautiful. To absolutely brilliant. Its a must see, and I could explain for hours on what this movie truly was and what it meant to me. But simply stated- well done Dallas Jenkins and his amazing team. Thank you for bringing Jesus to the television and thank you for this one of a kind epic cinematic experience. I can not wait to buy the movie and watch it .. probably monthly.

Calming, musical and inspiring are just some of the words that describe this new episode of The Chosen series, Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers. This episode is just in time for the Christmas holiday and brings a touching story and music revolving around Jesus Christ's birth. This special event is the first time The Chosen fans gather across the country and they will not be disappointed.

Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers is a two-hour Christmas special episode of The Chosen's multi-season series. It shows the birth of Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. It also includes Christmas-themed musical performances by Christian artists and storytelling from the Bible.

The Chosen fans will feel right at home watching some of their favorite actors from the original series. The director of this episode, Dallas Jenkins, is known for faith-based media and put this episode together flawlessly. From the songs to the musicians that perform them and even the accurate storytelling, everything is amazing. The costumes, sets and cinematography make you feel like you are actually witnessing Jesus being born. The music is sensational and helps drive the film. My favorite song is Emmanuel (God with Us Forever) performed by Bryan and Katie Torwalt, because it is delivered beautifully and is soothing, inspiring and heartwarming. Fun fact ... this entire film was recorded in secret and is the perfect Christmas gift for The Chosen's fandom. I think it is pretty amazing that the filmmakers, cast and the staff behind the episode were able to pull off such a huge surprise.

Audiences will enjoy the spiritual Christmas music and Bible stories that are included in this episode and it makes a great addition to a Christian family holiday film collection.

I rate Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 8 to 18, plus adults.

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST!