One Day to Celebrate Hope: Why the Nativity Unfolds Worldwide
In the midst of the busy holiday season, it's easy to lose sight of why we celebrate this special time of year. Amidst shopping sprees and festive gatherings, the true essence of the season tends to get overshadowed. To counter this, Dr. David Jeremiah and his production company, Turning Point Studios, dedicated December 14 as a day to
"Reach the World" with the authentic message of Christmas and the hope that the Nativity story embodies.
On this notable day, Turning Point hosted the theatrical release of its feature-length docudrama,
"Why the Nativity?", across 20 major cities in the United States, making the film available for free. Each participating theater held three screenings, providing multiple opportunities for community members to attend. Additionally, churches and organizations were invited to download the film for private screenings in locations without theatrical options. Thousands eagerly attended premieres from New York to Honolulu, while more than 12,000 groups opted for the download option to share the film in their local settings.
The
"Reach the World Day" even extended its impact globally, reaching six continents, 30 countries, and being available in 11 different languages. The docudrama was accessible to theaters and community gatherings in languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Telugu, Russian, and more. From Jakarta to Jerusalem, Mexico City to Moscow, and Sydney to Shanghai, this poignant retelling of Christ's birth found its way into the hearts of many.
Moments from Reach the World Day
In New York City, families on a subway journey from Brooklyn to Times Square came together to witness what they described as the
"true meaning of Christmas" on the big screen. In
Jacksonville, Florida, a grandmother drove over 100 miles to ensure her son-in-law, a non-believer, could experience the film—which she felt was more approachable than attending church.
Houston welcomed a 27-year-old woman with a physical disability who emotionally shared that her favorite part was when Jesus healed a man unable to walk. Meanwhile, in
Philadelphia, a grandfather expressed joy that the representation of the kings indicated Christ’s message was for everyone across continents.
In a small church setting in
Woodhull, New York, congregants gathered together to pray for the impact of the film, with 18 participants expressing their hope for salvation and transformative experiences. Across the ocean in
Ontario, Canada, thanks was offered to Turning Point for facilitating the film, and in
Tabasco, Mexico, excitement was expressed for the invaluable educational material this project provided.
Moreover, small congregations in Asian countries showcased the film while an Asian Christian broadcasting network aired
"Why the Nativity?" in English with subtitles in Mandarin. The film also found a venue in the heart of
Jerusalem, specifically for Russian immigrants seeking comfort amidst ongoing conflict.
A sports ministry headed to
Cuba plans to incorporate the film into their holiday program, and back in the U.S., companies reached out to screen
"Why the Nativity?" during their Christmas parties. Additionally, in
San Diego, the Legacy Center celebrated the film’s release at their annual Christmas festival.
The Essence of the Message
Dr. Jeremiah emphasized the significance of sharing
"Why the Nativity?" freely:
"So the whole world may know. Some parts of the world cannot pay to see this film. This story is critical for redemption and should be accessible to everyone." His intent transcends mere numbers; it focuses on reaching hearts. The ongoing effort to translate the film into five additional languages for 2025 illustrates a commitment to ensuring the message resonates widely.
Reach the World Day represents an evangelistic outreach, aiming to touch one billion lives with the enduring hope that Christmas embodies. This day has united movie theaters, churches, small groups, and families worldwide in sharing the remarkable story of Christ's birth, all gratitude to the generosity of Turning Point Ministries, which provided resources free of charge.
For further insights and detailed impact reports, visit
Reach the World Day's impact report and discover more about their initiatives at
Reach the World Day.