This delightful, short, animated picture is filled with memorable winter and Christmas scenes and carries a powerful message of “Peace On Earth”, which is clearly displayed on a sign in front of a church.
The animation is top notch, the character of the girl, “Faith,” is memorable, and the instrumental music sets the mood for the story. The movie is rated G, and indeed this is a picture the entire family can enjoy together.
Many viewers will recall childhood memories as we see Faith ice skate, do a figure 8, and she walks through snow-covered hills and woods. We see a deer leaping, ice on a hill, and various nicely captured nature scenes. Other memorable moments include Faith stopping at a local store and getting hot chocolate and giving change to a Santa Claus collecting money to help those in need.
The movie runs just over 22 minutes long but packs a lot into its runtime. We hear an instrumental version of Silent Night, and the piano music resonates with the story. In one scene Faith, who has worn a scarf and covered little puppies with it to keep them warm, remembers a Christmas when she was ungrateful for a gift from her grandmother. She regrets that moment but has obviously learned from it.
The story is one of faith, showing a church with a cross at the top of the steeple and Faith walking inside the church. Included is the narrative from the Bible of the birth of Jesus, and Mary bringing forth her first-born son. And a passage of scripture about faith, hope and love is part of a narration, with the emphasis being on love. This short, animated film is beautiful and charming in its innocence.
Content Analysis: A strong Christian worldview with scripture narration, loving examples of people caring for one another, and a couple of church scenes.
Think About It: Discussion points can include an example from the story concerning a girl regretting how she reacted to a Christmas present, and the need for and importance of being thankful. Also, the true meaning of Christmas and the significance of helping others who are less fortunate.
The Dove Take: This charming and beautiful movie is powerful in its innocent portrayal of childhood, and the need for God in one’s life, and it has easily earned our Dove Seal for All Ages.
