User reviews

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...)

Going into this without any background or familiarity with the series 'The Chosen,' it was hard to know what to expect. Was this going to be two hours of music videos? Was there going to be an extra long episode from the series? Well, it was a little of both.

The musical performances were uplifting. The interviews and confessionals that were interspersed throughout the special were moving. The story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem was raw and emotional. All around, it was a great way to help share an important story with a general audience.

It may be a bit "niche" compared to other Christmas programming out there, but 'The Messengers' is just as worthy of a watch this Christmas season.

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.

Just thought it would be more of a movie instead of a worshiping service , and I believe others thought the same. Although I did enjoy it all, music was just a little long for me. I'm thinking since I've seen both seasons. The arriving of Jesus. Along with the fish symbol between the two men , I cried. Some ppl will get others maybe later.

Just finished watching the 7pm showing and it was absolutely phenomenal. I went with my youngest who is 12 and he absolutely loved it as well. The music performances were anazing. Most of all it was moving to see the humble beginning of Jesus. Definitely can't wait to watch it again with the rest of my family.

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!

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 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."

It was to me, a wonderful and worshipful experience honoring the true meaning of the season! Go Tell it! For Unto us a Child Is Born! A SON IS GIVEN! God With us-WOW! Very Impactful- loved it!

LOVED THE ACTUAL EPISODE ITSELF. It actually moved me to tears. Some of the absolute best and most powerful scenes and performances possible. Those 30 minutes was worth trying to sit through the rest of this thing. Some honest reviews here nail it. For over an hour to start this construct is nothing but song after song after song after song after song after song after song... bad lip syncing of revival music on the Chosen set. They honestly bought two plants from Peir One and placed them on the set and told the musicians to pretend to sing. One great verbal exposition by the wonderful actress that plays Peter's wife was also in there somewhere. I had no idea going in that this was 75% music. After about an hour I had to get up and walk out. I checked my phone and discovered reviews here that informed me that an actual episode was eventually coming. I'm so glad I did and instead of walking to my car I walked back in. What hit next was beyond WONDERFUL. Like the series, the little nuances and true essence was in every scene. You could feel the Holy Spirit with the actors and the writers. Best Christmas present possible. Worth the 75% check your watch music to get to that 25% pure gold.

Great in many ways, but extremely weak and unmoving Joseph and Mary dialogue. The most critical moments in history fell flat. What were they thinking. Such talented writers yet this moment was written light years below the high and moving level of the very moving "the shepherd".

All the rest was TERRIFIC, INCREDIBLE, AWESOME and to be seen and cherished by all.

The Chosen Christmas Special was marketed as a special episode in the theaters! In reality it is 1 hour and 25 minutes of Hollywood music video style performances of Christmas songs with a short 30 minute episode that is loosely connected to the Chosen Series, honestly the episode felt rushed and was a overall weak performance.

The 1 Star is for the deceptive marketing. Everyone I have talked to expected a longer episode of the Chosen around the Christmas Story. You get nothing close to that.

This was the best new Christmas movie I'll see this year! You've knocked it out of the park for certain. Thank you for such a quality program. The music was awesome! So many groups, some I've heard of and a few new ones for me as well.

Beautiful music and a beautiful film! Are some of these bad reviews atheist trolls, because the "Christmas special" was exactly what iDallas said it would be . He dis not promise a full-length feature film. The negative and hypercritical reviews don't sound very Christian with the bad attitudes and actual lies about what was going to be presented hurt "The Chosen TVV show. I am not a huge fan of some contemporary Christian music, but I really enjoyed all of the music in "Christmas with The Chose"-The Messengers, and want to hear more. The Messengers was wonderful as well.

After about an hour of dialogue interspersed with boring songs I almost walked out. When I read one of the reviews that this show was 2/3 songs and 1/3 episode of The Chosen I decided to stay. The children's choir with strings was delightful.

I was hoping to see a movie but saw music videos and commentary for most of the time. Would have liked to see more getting to know Mary and Joseph and then wisemen and shepherds. It felt more like a 2 hour preview to a movie instead. I know we all know the story but if I wanted to bring unbelievers or barely believers so that they can know and feel it this is not the show for them.

Wow negative reviews about the music. This was advertised as musical guests being there. Did you not see the 1st Chosen Christmas Special with music? This was a worship event! Music was great and the story was told from a different and insightful way. See it as soon as you can!

Roughly 90min of very beautiful and inspiring Christmas music by Christian bands (?) interspersed with moving sermon-like monologs by some members of the groups. Located on the beautiful Utah set. Then a short 35min episode of the travel to Bethlehem and birth of Jesus. Then one final song by the combined musical groups. It was wonderful, but unfortunately left me hoping for a longer episode. I guess the episodes of Seasons 1 and 2 spoiled me. Thank you Dallas and company. Merry Christmas!

Been a fan of The Chosen since middle of Season 1. The Chosen finished up Season 2 this past year and creator/director Dallas Jenkins has given Chosen fans like us a truly wonderful way to end the year with a beautiful and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus. The Chosen has always been about the life of Jesus as told from a completely different perspective. It shows a side of Jesus no other storyteller has ever done and it will forever change you when you watch it.

The Chosen did a Christmas musical special last year, that was streamed for free as is the rest of the series. This year they decided to do a different approach and make an extra episode along with many contemporary Christian musical artists like Phil Wickham, Matt Maher, Cain, Leanna Crawford, the Bonner Family and many more. The whole project was cleverly kept a secret and they brought this year's Christmas episode to the big screen where it rightfully belongs. Coupled with great music, interviews and special monologues, along with a special episode about the birth of Jesus. The entire program was so well done. The birth of Jesus is so simple, yet Dallas Jenkins portrays this moment with such beauty and reverence, that it brought me to tears. In these tumultuous times, we are reminded that we need to be the messengers of God to help us all. Only in select theaters for a limited run, but well worth seeing and experiencing.