The Story of Christmas
My goal behind this animation was to present the Christmas story in the midst of it’s over arching context – one that spans from creation into eternity, and to show Jesus Christ as the blazing, glory filled center of history. It’s easy for me to forget (but jubilant to remember) that we are in the middle of a massive, epoch spanning narrative with JESUS CHRIST as the author, hero, central theme, and consummation – to the glory of God the Father. Hopefully this animation can help to remind us of (and introduce to those who’ve never known) the centrality of our King in all things and throughout all ages.
Narration by Rik Billock
Songs used:
Call for heroes – Shockwave sound
Freedom battle – Michael W. Smith
Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel – Casting Crowns
I heard the bells on Christmas Day (instrumental) – Casting Crowns
( I was not able to contact Casting Crowns or Michael W. Smith to get their for sure “OK” on using there music in this way. I’m assuming they will be fine with this use – but if they see this video and want it taken down, please just contact me and I will do so. This video is for the encouragement, edification, and building up of the Body of Christ. I do not (and cannot) gain any profit from it.)
You put together a great animation Christopher. Thanks for making it available so that it can be shared.
I was wondering if it would be possible to get a version with everything but the narration? That way it could be used all over the world.
Just a thought.
Great thought, William. I’m getting to work on making that available right now.
Let me ask you question. If you had spent, say, $50,000 making this animation and I wanted to take it and narrate a Satanic version, would you mind? I mean, if I just took it and did what I wanted with it; posting “just find me and request that I take it down.”
Stealing music “in Jesus’ name” seems contradictory. You know their record companies. Contact them. Do the right thing. Plus, you do not have the right to give others the opportunity to use what you have stolen and create their own works with it.
You are very talented and I can tell you desire to use your gifts to expand the kingdom. As for us, we do not use stolen content.
Here is a downloadable version with no narration
http://www
Worship Leader – I appreciate your candid thoughts. You’re right in that Christians are called to pursue excellence in all things and, as far as we are able, to live at peace with all people.
I was debating whether or not to post this without express permission from the original authors and I’m afraid I let the pride of wanting something online over rule the adherence to authority.
I’d like to ask for your forgiveness in this (and anyone else who was offended).
I’ve asked Worship.com to take this animation down until I get permission from the authors – which I’m pursuing anew.
In His grace,
Chris
Chris, any word yet on the permission for use of the songs? I would love to see the video and have others be blessed by it as well.
I haven’t been able to contact the artists, but I talked with someone who is within the Christian music industry and they suggested I just put the video on youtube. 1) the content is in line with the artists’ philosophies 2) it is making no profit or money of any kind 3) it works as an advertisement for them.
So, that’s what I did, and if Casting Crowns or Michael W. Smith do not want it up like that, I will be more than happy to take it down. You can check it out here:
THIS was just such an incredibly uplifting experience to be the voice of Chris’ very poignant and powerful film at Christmas time in 2010 and was so wonderful to attend the service rather unrecognized asnd see the true, honest spirit of even grown men being teary eyed and open. I hope the true joy of the Lord comes through to everyone who watches and listens to this very modern retelling of the Most Wonderful story! It was a pleasure working with Chris Powers as was the Easter presentation we did last year and I hope we get to do it again soon. The BEST to Chris and the whole congrgation at Grace Community Church and to everyone who watches this and everyone who doesn’t. I was honored and thrilled to be the narrator. As Tiny Tim says at the end of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” “God bless us! Everyone!” – Rik Billock