Christmas is a big time in the lives of most. It’s a time for family. It’s a time for celebration. And it’s a time for big traditions. But is it possible we get so focused on making things perfect we forget the whole point of the season?

The new film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever seems to understand that and try to move past it. It does so with humor, warmth, and a loving approach to the reason for the season. It’s a fun romp that is well worth seeking out for those who love Christmas and want to celebrate with family this holiday season.

The film is based on the novel from Barbara Robinson. It comes from director Dallas Jenkins, who brought The Chosen to screen and has spent two decades wanting to tell this story. It’s the story of the special 75th anniversary of the Emmanuel Annual Christmas Pageant. It’s a church pageant in a small town named Emmanuel, and it’s come to be one of the most important days on the calendar.

We are being told the story by Beth (Lauren Graham), who during the time of the pageant in question was a young girl (Molly Belle Wright). Through a series of events, Beth’s mother—Grace (Judy Greer)—is tapped to direct the pageant. This puts her and the whole family—including husband Bob (Pete Holmes)—in the crosshairs of a demanding congregation and community.

To make matters worse, an infamous family in the community—the Herdman family—has recently joined the church and decided to be a part of the pageant. When they decide to take the lead in the pageant, it makes the whole community uneasy. While Grace faces pressure to make changes, she follows her heart and decides to let the pageant play out.

It all leads to the big performance on Christmas Eve and a pageant no one will ever forget.

Traditions are important during the holidays. They help get us into the spirit and remind us of what is important. But sometimes the tradition becomes more important that the reason for the thing. That’s what happens with this film. It’s about a pageant, but it’s also about the people and the culture that revere the process over the meaning.

As a Christian, this faith-based film touched on a lot of profound and beautiful ideas. The Herdman family doesn’t understand the Gospel, and yet they get introduced to it through the play. It’s messy and has a profound impact on them and the community. It should have a profound impact on us as well, especially as we consider the reason for the season. It’s a beautiful story that offers a beautiful message this Christmas season.

That’s only part of what I liked about this film. It has some wonderful characters, a great sense of humor, and a fun story. It feels like a film that’s destined to become a Christmas classic. I loved Greer and Holmes in these roles, and I loved their performances here.

You can tell it’s a passion-project for Jenkins, who does a wonderful job to bring it to the screen. The love he has for the world and the story comes through on screen and makes for a great viewing experience.

If you’re looking for some fun and a lot of heart this Christmas season, make sure to check out The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The film opens nationwide on Friday, November 8.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.