How Dallas Jenkins Explored Jesus’ ‘Raw Humanity’ in THE MESSENGERS
By Movieguide® Staff
Creator of THE CHOSEN Dallas Jenkins recently shared that three words inspired the original Christmas Special, THE SHEPHERD, “People must know.”
The short film, which told the story of the birth of Jesus through the eyes of a shepherd, turned into the most successful crowd-funded series in history.
THE CHOSEN continued to grow this holiday season after their new holiday special, CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS broke several box office records in the show’s first-ever theatrical release.
This time around, Jenkins explored the nativity story through the eyes of Mary and Joseph, motivated by the same premise: “People must know.”
“There’s such a beautiful contrast between the raw humanity of what Jesus arrived in and how he really came in as one of us, as a crying baby to a scared teenager in the midst of a dirty pen where there were animals,” Jenkins told Faithwire. “I have a moment where Joseph scoops manure to make room for Mary to sit down to give birth.”
“We really pound the nail of ‘Jesus was one of us,'” he added. “Mary, as she’s telling the story 50 years later, one of the things she says to the person she’s talking to is, ‘We must never forget and people must know that he was one of us for a time and that this all began in such humble surroundings.'”
A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS is the first theatrical release for the fully crowd-funded series, THE CHOSEN, the first multi-episode show about Jesus Christ’s life and ministry. The event features songs from Phil Wickham, Maverick City Music, for KING & COUNTRY, Brandon Lake, and other musical artists. Intermingled with the music are four Scripture-filled monologues from several of the series’ stars. Finally, a brand new CHOSEN episode focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ from Mary and Joseph’s perspectives.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS is a joyous, Gospel-focused celebration of advent and the true story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The filmmakers use song, Scripture and dramatic representations to stress the hope that Emmanuel, God With Us, brings to a weary, sinful world. This Christmas special will make viewers want to worship the greatness of God, rest in the mercy of Jesus, and look expectantly to the believer’s future peace with Him in heaven. The music and production in CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN are masterfully woven together to create a cohesive narrative that surely will stir many hearts this holiday season.
THE MESSENGERS is now available on the “The Chosen” App or in select Theaters.