Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 11/03/23

Great American Christmas sneak peek. Entering its first Christmas as Great American Pure Flix following this summer’s merger, Great American Media’s new Chief Content Officer Candace Cameron Bure posted the above video heralding the faith and family streaming service’s  expansive two-month focus on Christmas programming beginning November 1.

Speaking of the large array of offerings (one of which will star Bure), Great American Media President & CEO Bill Abbott says “We are excited to begin spreading the joy of Christmas to our Great American Pure Flix members with uplifting and inspiring movies and programs in this season.”

Each week, Great American Pure Flix will have a different overarching theme tied into the Christmas season. This year’s themes are:

• Getting In the Spirit (Nov. 1-5)
• Celebrate Family (Nov. 6-12)
• Celebrate Romance (Nov. 13-19)
• Celebrate Taste of the Season (Nov. 20-26)
• Celebrate Coming Home (Nov. 27-Dec. 3)
• Celebrate Christmas Wishes (Dec. 4-10)
• Celebrate Christmas Miracles (Dec. 11-17)
• Celebrate Keeping Christ in Christmas (Dec. 18-24)

Some of the films featured on Great American Pure Flix this season include:

B&B Merry (Wednesday, November 1)
Tracey, a travel blogger, is invited by Graham Cooper to Christmas getaway for a family’s small bed and breakfast. The B&B, meanwhile, is facing tough competition from a hotel resort that has been stealing guests and threatens the survival of the family business. Starring Jen Lilley, Peter Louis Chouinard and Jesse Hutch.

‘Twas the Text Before Christmas (Thursday, November 2)
An unexpected text message sent to the wrong number sets into motion a new family Christmas tradition. Starring Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan.

Christmas Keepsake (Friday, November 10)
A father bonds with his daughter and stumbles upon an unexpected romance while tracking down the original owner of a Christmas time capsule. Starring Jillian Murray and Daniel Lissing (When Calls the Heart). 

A Christmas Blessing (Thursday, November 16)
Renowned TV star Mandy Gilmore says goodbye to her hit culinary series A World of Food with plans to travel the globe dining in all 142 Michelin star restaurants. Before jetting to Paris, Mandy stops in Milwaukee with the deed to Angel’s Fare, her deceased Aunt Susie’s food pantry that was recently purchased by adjacent business owner Adam Carraway. A simple transaction – or so it seems. Starring Lori Laughlin (Fuller House, When Calls the Heart), Jesse Hutch and James Tupper. 

Santa, Maybe (Wednesday, November 22)
Can theater director Lila rise to the challenge of putting on the perfect Christmas ballet while also discovering her office Secret Santa in the process? Starring Aubrey Reynolds and Samuel Whitten. 

A Dash of Christmas (Thursday, November 23) starring Laura Osnes and Christopher Russell.
To apply for her dream job at a foodie startup, an executive must learn to bake. When she recruits a handsome baker to help her, she inadvertently ends up entered in a Christmas Bakeoff. Starring Laura Osnes and Christopher Russell. 

Destined 2: Christmas One More (Thursday, November 30)
In this sequel to Destined at Christmas, Theo continues to miss connecting with his girlfriend Kim as he attempts to propose at Christmas. Starring Shae Robins and Casey Elliott.

My Christmas Hero (Friday, December 1)
US Army reservist and orthopedic physician Nicole Ramsey is dedicated to serving military service members and their families at the Joint Military Base in Washington State, home of I Corps and the 62nd Airlift Wing. This Christmas, with the help of many dedicated heroes, Dr. Ramsey is on a mission to honor a special fallen soldier and bring much needed healing to her own family. Starring Candace Cameron Bure (Fuller House, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries) and Gabriel Hogan.

Christmas on Windmill Way (Thursday, December 7)
Mia Miejer excitedly anticipates the Christmas Market Fest Dutch Bake-Off competition and is filled with confidence that her BFF Ann will win the festival’s top prize with her award-winning Kerststol when she learns her friend has difficult news to share. Starring Christa Taylor Brown and Chad Michael Murray. 

Peppermint & Postcards (Friday, December 8)
When a Christmas letter concerning her love life goes viral, one mom discovers that romance might be right at her door. Starring Christopher Russell, Ella Cannon and Dave Kenneth MacKinnon. 

Other yuletide family offerings include VeggieTales and Slugs & Bugs Christmas specials, as well as the holiday-themed family survival film Legacy Peak.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.