Faith Filled Christmas

Faith Filled Christmas, released in 2017, is a powerful narrative that focuses on the intimate and dynamic nature of faith and family, particularly in the blissful and yet often stressful season of Christmas.

The movie, beautifully cast with Anna Alayo, Paul Applegate, and Merlyn Asencio, offers an intimate look into the lives of three generations of the Fairway family. Each family member, grappling with their own fears and challenges, discovers the true meaning of Christmas in their unique and individual journeys.

The story begins with the family matriarch, played with poignant vulnerability by Anna Alayo. As she comes to terms with her advancing age and the prospect of an empty house, she’s forced to grapple with her faith and the question of what legacy she’s leaving behind for her family. She embarks on a journey filled with reflection and introspection that not only helps her come to peace with her existence but also fortifies her faith.

Alayo’s on-screen son is embodied by Paul Applegate. Applegate brilliantly portrays a work-oriented father who struggles to juggle the demands of a highly stressful job with his roles as a father and a son. His character is forced to revaluate priorities as Christmas approaches, questioning where his true values lie. Through a series of unexpected events, he comes face-to-face with his faith, or lack thereof, and the need for balance in his life. His journey, filled with various trials and tribulations, explores themes of personal growth, redemption, and the importance of family.

Merlyn Asencio, the third protagonist of the film, beautifully embodies the role of a teenager on the verge of adulthood. Caught between her personal ambitions and the needs of her family, she is catapulted into a world of decision-making far sooner than she expected. Asencio's character, through her emotional struggles and resilience, teaches audiences the power of sacrifice and the true essence of faith during the festive season.

The characters, disparate in their age and life experiences, are wonderfully united through the thematic umbrella of the film - faith. The narrative underscores how faith isn’t just about believing in the divine, but also about the faith one has in oneself and others. The narrative thus dives deep into the relationship between faith and Christmas, presenting it as a time when miracles can happen, and faith, hope, and love are reaffirmed.

The backdrops of the film are thoughtfully chosen to further embody the film's theme. With snow-covered landscapes and warm, festively decorated interiors, each scene skillfully captures the essence of the Christmas season while reflecting the emotional states of the characters.

Director Don McChesney skillfully weaves sentiments of faith, family, love, and forgiveness into a beautiful tapestry that reflects the spirit and significance of Christmas. While the film serves as a celebration of the Christmas season, it also invites audiences to explore and honor their personal faith. The script mirrors reality and seamlessly intertwines the joys and difficulties of life, underscoring that faith, and family are paramount, above everything else.

Faith Filled Christmas, while apt for Christmas viewing, is far more than just a seasonal movie. Its universal themes and messages run far deeper, making it a heartwarming and thought-provoking film for all seasons and audiences. Engaging performances from all lead actors lend the storyline a unique authenticity that's sure to tug at the heartstrings of viewers.

In essence, Faith Filled Christmas is not just about faith in the religious sense, but also reflects on the faith that people place in each other and in their familial ties. It successfully portrays that the spirit of Christmas isn't just about celebration but also about reevaluating one's faith, values, and the true essence of this joyous time. The intricate and touching narrative is guaranteed to leave audiences deep in contemplation about their own life choices while developing an appreciation for the power of faith.