The Bible-based hit series The Chosen is heading to broadcast television.
A Christmas-themed episode of The Chosen will air on the CW Friday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern, telling the Bethlehem story through the eyes of Mary, who is recounting it to Mary Magdalene long after the actual events. The special Christmas movie concludes with a rendition of Joy to the World (Joyful Joyful) by Phil Wickham Jordan Feliz, Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Maverick City and The Bonner Family.
Titled The Chosen: The Messengers, it was originally released in theaters in 2021.
The CW is an over-the-air broadcast network that covers virtually 100 percent of the United States.
"I'm thrilled The CW is airing this Christmas episode – it's a great introduction to The Chosen to anyone who hasn't seen it yet," said Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen. "The perspective we show of this story honors the gospel narrative while also exploring the cultural, historical, and personal context that hasn't been portrayed before."
The Chosen, now in its third season, has been translated into 62 languages and viewed by an estimated 100 million people worldwide. It can be viewed, for free, on multiple platforms, including on The Chosen and Angel Studios apps. It follows the story of Jesus and the disciples.
The Christmas episode, Jenkins previously told Christian Headlines, delivers a powerful gospel message to the audience.
"We would not have done this [film] if we didn't have something to say – if we didn't believe God had something profound to say," Jenkins told Christian Headlines. "... It's always because we genuinely believe there's something new and spiritually profound that we believe can be said. In this case, it's our portrayal of the birth of Christ."
The episode, he said, reflects the humble beginnings of Christ.
"Joseph is trying to make room for Mary to be born in the stable, and he has to scoop out a big pile of manure," Jenkins said. "That single moment, to me, sums up a lot of what the story is about."
Photo courtesy: ©Loaves & Fishes Productions/The Chosen, used with permission.
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
