5 min read
Tyler Perry has taken his audience to church. The Gospel of Christmas arrived on Netflix on Wednesday, November 11.
Perry wrote, directed and produced the holiday film. He also placed the Black church at its center.
Tank stars as Pastor Isaac Jefferson. Fantasia Barrino plays his wife, Rebecca.
The Atlanta premiere was held on November 9. Perry attended the celebration two days before release day.
Major Takeaways
The film began streaming on Netflix on November 11. Its Atlanta premiere was held on November 9.
Gospel legends fill the cast, led by CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams and Shirley Caesar.
Kirk Franklin produced the music for the film. Its songs move from classic holiday cuts to modern gospel.
10 year old Eric Wiltz makes his film debut as Esau. He plays the younger son of Isaac and Rebecca.
Inside The Gospel of Christmas Story
Isaac inherits a troubled family church in New York City. The building and the congregation both need saving.
His father, Abraham, asked him on his deathbed to lead it. Isaac moves from Georgia with Rebecca and their sons.
Doubt and temptation press in from every side. Foreclosure threatens the church as Christmas approaches.
Isaac must rediscover his faith and the power of prayer. His family and his community hang in the balance.
The film runs 1 hour and 43 minutes. It carries a TV PG rating for family viewing.
The production was filmed in Atlanta at Tyler Perry Studios. Producers Angi Bones and Tony L. Strickland joined Perry.
Gospel Legends Step In Front Of The Camera
CeCe Winans plays Mrs. Johnson, a neighbor slow to warm to church. Yolanda Adams plays Gloria, another skeptic at first.
Shirley Caesar plays May, and Fred Hammond plays Abraham. Ann Nesby appears as Sarah, and Smokie Norful appears as Peter.
Hezekiah Walker plays Matthew, and Jekalyn Carr plays Lilly. Members of The Clark Sisters also appear in the film.
Vanessa Bell Armstrong and LeAndria Johnson join the ensemble. Chante Moore rounds out a cast built on gospel greatness.
Perry said every artist he called made room in their schedule. Most had never acted before, or only in small roles.
Winans even plays against type as a mean character. Perry said she kept reminding him the character was mean.
He kept reminding her the meanness was not her. The exchange became a running joke on the set.
Music Carries The Heart Of The Film
Kirk Franklin produced the music for the entire production. His soundtrack blends traditional gospel, contemporary worship and holiday standards.
The songs move from Eartha Kitt and Santa Baby to Goodness of God. Franklin called the music the emotional heart of the story.
Perry said those songs carried him through very difficult times. Hearing Winans sing Goodness of God was a dream fulfilled.
Readers can revisit our Kirk Franklin double album story for more on his season. His range now stretches from choir stands to movie screens.
A Family Bible And A Search For Faith
A large family Bible sits at the center of the film. It is stuffed with mementos and memories from generations past.
Perry still searches for the Bible his mother left behind. It was the one thing he wanted after her death.
He said people today are losing faith or seeking God. He hopes this film pushes more people toward prayer.
Perry pointed to a revival at 2819 Church in Atlanta. He called prayer his safe place in hard times.
A Young Star Steps Into The Story
Ten year old Eric Wiltz makes his film debut here. He plays Esau, the younger son of Isaac and Rebecca.
Esau is nonverbal, and his mother calls that gift special. In the story, Esau can see angels inside the church.
Wiltz first won attention with a viral Wicked performance last year. Cynthia Erivo encouraged the young singer to keep going.
He later played a young Michael Jackson on national tour. Mason Douglas plays his older brother, Jacob, in this film.
Why The Gospel of Christmas Matters Now
Black churches still anchor neighborhoods through grief, joy and change. This film treats that anchor with warmth and respect.
Holiday films often erase the Black church from the season. Perry places it front and center, choir robes and all.
It also gives gospel legends a screen home at Christmas. Families can gather around voices they already trust and love.
Perry grew up in Baptist and African Methodist Episcopal pews. He said he still attends worship whenever his schedule allows.
He is now writing a new television series centered on faith. This film may be only the start of that chapter.
Stream the film now, and explore more stories in our Entertainment section. Atlanta fans can also revisit Perry Week in Atlanta here.
That is a Christmas gift with roots deep in our community. It deserves a place in the holiday rotation.
