Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas

An inspirational message from our Founder and Executive Producer Ken Whatmore.

We often draw people in with the promise of big-name acts, renowned talent, and captivating performances—elements that set our show apart from the typical Christmas specials on TV. While they may come for the spectacle, our goal is to offer them something more profound: a reminder of what Christmas is truly about.

Before I became a believer, I had this memory of a simple Christmas decoration—a candle-powered angel chime. The heat from the candle would cause the angels to circle around, creating this magical, dynamic scene. That image is etched in my mind like an old, fuzzy film reel, always bringing me back to a sense of wonder.

I also remember watching "The Little Drummer Boy" as a child, even though I grew up in a family that didn't believe. That simple story introduced me to the birth of Christ. It associated Christmas with angels and, eventually, led me to understand who God is. It was through these moments that I began to grasp the true meaning of Christmas.

When I think about our show, I imagine the people who will fill the audience or watch the movie. They might come for the talent, the music, or the entertainment, not expecting to encounter anything about Jesus. But my hope is that they leave with a piece of the true Christmas story in their hearts, remembering why we celebrate this season.

This resonates with me even more deeply because of a personal experience—my dad passed away the day after Christmas. For many, Christmas can be a painful reminder of loss, leading some to stop celebrating altogether. But I believe Christmas shouldn't be defined by the death of our loved ones; it should be a time of joy, rooted in the birth of Christ.

Across the globe, Christmas is a season filled with warmth, family traditions, and an overwhelming sense of joy. Yet, this joy is often overshadowed by naysayers and those who have lost sight of its true significance. I want to change that.

I want to stand up and remind people that this is an incredible time of year—a time when people are more kind and generous to one another than at any other time. This isn't just a Western phenomenon; Christmas is celebrated worldwide. During this season, even families who may not get along find a way to show kindness. They do it because there's something special about this time of year, something that we know is because Christ was born. His birth marked the dawning of a new era for humanity, an era where joy and hope were made tangible.

Yes, some have forgotten this, and that's okay because it's part of the journey. The Bible tells us that as we move closer to the return of Christ, we will witness the decline of civilization. But for now, we have the opportunity to harness the joy of the Christmas season and lead people toward the hope of Easter. We can help them remember what happened then and why it's worth celebrating, why it's worth doing good for one another.

This is important. It's a mission that's been lost, but it's one I feel called to revive. There's something truly special about this time of year, something that brings tears to my eyes. And here I am now, a catalyst for the reintroduction of Christmas into the world.

Who knows? Maybe I’m Santa Claus after all.