Last year at Christmas time, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever came out in the movie theatres. I booked my tickets and brought my family to go see the movie and I absolutely loved it! I walked out thinking, “Finally, a Christmas movie that actually tells the Christmas story!” This year, it’s available to rent or own on Amazon Prime, and yes, I bought it immediately. If you’re looking for a film that’s fun for kids, meaningful for adults, and centered on Jesus, this one is a must-watch. Given how much I liked this movie and now that Christmas is coming up, I wanted to add this one to my blog and put together a family friendly bible study/ devotional for you to do.
The story kicks off with the infamous Herdman family. These kids are the definition of chaos—they steal, lie, fight, and even set fires. They really are a nuisance to the Emmanuel town. The parents are not around and the kids basically do whatever they want. Other children are scared of them, and adults don’t know what to do with them. They are the outcasts of the town. But then they discover the church serves snacks on Sundays. Free food? They’re in. And while they’re there, they overhear talk of the annual Christmas pageant. Naturally, they bully their way into all the lead roles. The congregation is horrified. The kids are furious. And poor Grace, who volunteered to direct after Mrs. Armstrong broke both her legs, is left wondering how she’ll survive this disaster.
Here’s the twist: the Herdman’s don’t even know the Christmas story. Grace walks them through Luke 2:1–20, and their raw, unfiltered reactions are both hilarious and profound. They’re outraged that the innkeeper turned Mary and Joseph away. They’re baffled by the wisemen’s gifts. And for the first time, the congregation sees the nativity through fresh eyes—eyes that aren’t dulled by tradition but wide open to wonder.
The pageant rehearsals didn’t go well and no one knows if the pageant is going to be any good this year. At the last minute the Herdman’s show up—and what happens next is unforgettable. Their touching gift of a ham for baby Jesus instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh shows real sacrifice. The way Imogene looks at Jesus and actually cries with tears rolling down her cheeks brings emotion to the play for the first time in 75 years. The Herdman’s made the Christmas pageant the best one ever!
This movie isn’t just entertainment—it’s a reminder that Jesus came for everyone, even the outcasts, even the Herdman’s. It’s packed with scripture, overflowing with heart, and it leaves you remembering that Christ is the reason for the season.
So here’s my invitation: after you watch the movie, gather your family and dive into the 5-day devotional Bible study I’ve put together. Reflect, discuss, and let this Christmas be one where Christ truly takes center stage.
Merry Christmas—and may your celebrations be just as surprising, heartfelt, and joyful as the Herdman’s pageant.
Feel free to print the devotional using the download above. If you would like to purchase the devotional, visit the below link for your copy!
Biblical Rewind 
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