This Faith-Focused Christmas Movie Will Warm Your Heart

Published: October 21, 2025

By Kayla DeKraker

Great American Family always emphasizes Christ during the holiday season, and the network’s movie A CHRISTMAS PRAYER is no different.

Stars Shae Robins and Christopher Russell reflected on the holiday in a recent interview with Movieguide®’s Kaelii Williams.

“I have always loved Christmas because my family truly makes the most of it,” Robins said. “We like to do all the things and have some of the wildest traditions, so we are all in on Christmas every single year.”

She added, “And so that’s like, Christmas it’s just always been so special to me. So yeah, I guess you could say I’m similar to my character Natalie where she just loves Christmas.”

Robins plays Natalie, a Christmas fanatic and “a children’s book illustrator struggling with creative burnout.”

She “finds unexpected inspiration when she comes across a little girl’s Christmas gift list…Caroline writes her list of heartfelt prayers to Jesus, requesting blessings for her family, friends, and community – including one to ask that her recently widowed dad (Russell) will find happiness again,” A CHRISTMAS PRAYER’s synopsis reads. Natalie then chooses to answer the young girl’s wishes.

Russell’s character, on the other hand, is more of a Christmas “appreciator,” which he says is a stark difference from who he is in real life.

“Christmas was such a big deal for me growing up,” he told Movieguide®.

“It was my favorite time of year, just everything about it. I mean, when I was younger, definitely Santa Claus was the main draw, but just like the smell of like the tree in the house and looking at the presents under the tree and wondering what’s in them, and then also just the music and the food and the feeling of like family and community,” he said, adding “Yeah, it’s just it was best.”

Similar to what the movie’s storyline, Robins and Russell have witnessed God use them to answer someone’s prayers.

“Honestly, there have been many, many times in my life where I felt like I’ve been an answer to somebody’s prayer,” Robins said, “and not because my own doing, but because I felt like, you know, my Lord and Savior was guiding me to help somebody.”

She explained that simply “being there for somebody by listening” can be “answer to someone’s prayer.”

Russell chimed in, “God and Jesus work through people and with their acts, and it doesn’t have to be a great, profound experience or epiphany to make it happen…I can see it anywhere I’ve ever been helpful to anyone in any capacity would be the spirit… working through me.”

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER began streaming exclusively on Great American Pure Flix on Oct. 16 before its linear broadcast premiere on Great American Family on Oct. 18.

“A CHRISTMAS PRAYER is a heartfelt film about the miracles that happen when people come together for the greater good, and it is a powerful reminder of why we celebrate the season,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “Rooted in faith, family, and community, the film exemplifies what makes Great American Christmas stand apart from other holiday movie events. Great American Christmas original films reflect the true meaning of the season with heart, purpose, and authenticity.”

In an Instagram post, GAF asked fans for their feedback. Needless to say, they loved it.

“Loved it all! The emphasis on prayer was amazing. The cast was warm and very easy to like. Hope we get a part 2 of this one 🙏🏼,” one person commented.

Another fan wrote, “Hands down the ABSOLUTE BEST! Loved this and the message of Jesus, so incredible. Thank you for bringing quality, Christmas & the real reason we celebrate everyday, into such wonderful movies! ❤️👏🎄.”