How holiday movies have changed over the past 20 years

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	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more 🎄 Christmas on the big screen How holiday movies have changed over the past 20 years Religion Unplugged Dec 18   READ IN APP   Hi Religion Unplugged readers, If you celebrate Christmas, are there movies you watch to get into the holiday spirit? For many, movies are a big part of traditional festivities — and while new releases abound, chances are the movies part of the regular rotation are ones that were made at least 20 years ago. In today’s top story, critic Joseph Holmes writes on the fact that 2003, when “Love Actually” and “Elf” were both in theaters, is regarded the last year of the Christmas classic. The genre has wobbled since then, producing plenty of content that doesn’t have lasting influence. Things might be taking a turn, Holmes writes, with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” released this year. The movie was beloved by critics and succeeded in the box office, making it a surprising standout. Read more to find out what it has to say about the future of holiday film. This just in! Until Dec. 31, all donations made to Religion Unplugged will be TRIPLED thanks to NewsMatch and the board of The Media Project. That goes for one-time gifts and recurring donations, all up to $1,000. It’s our goal to produce more thoughtful, necessary and award-winning journalism — and we can’t do it without you! Donate How Christmas Movies Have Dramatically Changed Over The Last 20 Years (ANALYSIS) Changes in the film industry, and the changing demographics of family life in America, mean we’re likely to see a more movies in the future that are focused on faith. You might say the future of Christmas films is very much faith-based. One of the most fascinating things is the collapse of the Christmas movie and the rise of the faith-based genre happened around the same time. by Joseph Holmes Share Special Report: Are Churches Letting The ‘Suicide Capital Of The World’ Down? Despite this grim reality, church leaders in this nation of 2.3 million are not just in denial about this social crisis — but are also in denial about being in denial, leaving the desperately depressed with no one to give them the much-needed message of hope. Talking about suicide is taboo in many African societies and that includes Lesotho. by Cyril Zenda Patriarch John X Says Christians ‘Not Just Guests’ In Post-Assad Syria Patriarch John X of Antioch delivered a powerful sermon at the Church of the Holy Cross in Damascus, addressing Christians in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the takeover by an Islamic rebel group. by Clemente Lisi The Supreme Court Leads The Way To A New Phase Regarding The Transgender Debate (ANALYSIS) The Justice Department is in a legal fight against Tennessee and, by extension, all 26 states with laws that forbid or restrict “gender-affirming” transition treatments for youths under the age of 18. Observers of the recent U.S. Supreme Court arguments in this United States v. Skrmetti case figure the Court will favor federalism, allowing states leeway for such limitations. by Richard Ostling 15-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shoots Teacher And A Teen At Wisconsin Christian School A 15-year-old female student opened fire on Monday morning inside a study hall at a private Christian school in Wisconsin, killing a teacher and a student, authorities said. The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, also wounded six others at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, including two students who were in critical condition. by Clemente Lisi On Religion: God, Man And Christmas In the Cane River Valley (ANALYSIS) Christmas is a good news, bad news situation in Pensacola, a tiny community in the Cane River Valley, high in the mountains of North Carolina. The good news is that Hurricane Helene’s flooding — which washed away almost everything at the town's crossroads — was followed by waves of volunteers and relief shipments from churches, nonprofits and businesses large and small. by Terry Mattingly A Temple Reborn: Finding Hope and Harmony In Kashmir Nestled in the serene yet scarred landscapes of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Arde Nareshwar Temple stood as a silent witness to one of the darkest chapters in the region’s history. For over two decades, its bells were silent, its walls deserted — haunted by the tragic massacre of 24 Kashmiri Hindus also known as Kashmiri Pandits in 2003 that forever changed the narrative of this quaint village. by Zaffar Iqbal Meet India’s Youngest Muslim Member Of Parliament: ‘Need To Empower Women’ In a momentous occasion for Indian politics, Iqra Chaudhary Hasan recently took her oath as a Member of Parliament, marking several historic firsts. Draped in a white scarf, she represents many firsts — the young politician has become India’s youngest female member, the youngest Muslim and the youngest female Muslim. This achievement highlights her unique position and a sign that a shift in the nation’s political landscape has taken place. by Amit Pandey 🚔 Family, Faith And A Finale: Why Fans Loved The TV Series ‘Blue Bloods’ 🔌 For the popular CBS drama “Blue Bloods,” the “End of Tour” — as the final episode is dubbed — brings an emotional farewell. People of faith who love the show lament its conclusion. by Bobby Ross Jr. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings! Subscribe to Weekend Plug-In Thanks again for reading! At Religion Unplugged, we cover the role of religion in public life and in peoples' lives. If you appreciate our journalism, become a sustaining monthly donor by clicking the button below. Donate Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. 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