Once Upon a Time: The 12 Days of Christmas in Story and Film

From Christmas Eve to Epiphany, Bruce Epperly takes us on a journey through scripture, film, and story.

Christmas is the season of stories. During this holy season, we are invited into the adventures—and trials—of a teenage mother, unexpected father, lowly shepherds, and regal magi. The holiday’s light can also come to us in the tales of Christmas in film and literature. As we enter these stories, we become Scrooge and the Grinch, who must discover that life’s meaning is found in generosity. We are Henry van Dyke’s other Wise Man, who fails in his intended journey to give homage to the Christ Child—but finds God in the flesh of strangers on the way. We are George Bailey too, who discovers that despite the chaos and challenges of family life and running a business, he has a wonderful life. We are the young couple who give their most precious possessions to bring joy to each other in O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.”

“Once upon a time” joins yesterday, today, and tomorrow in an everlasting now. The stories of the Bethlehem Child, a miracle on 34th Street, and even Rudolph, a “different” reindeer whose unique gifts guide Santa’s way, awaken us to the Light that shines through our own ordinary lives. In the telling and hearing of stories, we find the path to Bethlehem. The Word descends from Heaven to Earth, becomes flesh among us, and inspires us to share the good news that God is here for everyone.