A Christmas Miracle: How Dallas Jenkins’ Faith and a Mom’s Love for ‘The Chosen’ Brought ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ to Life”

When Dallas Jenkins, the renowned creator of The Chosen, set out to bring Barbara Robinson’s classic novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to the big screen, he never imagined the journey would be guided by such divine orchestration. Speaking with CBN News, Jenkins shared that the film’s realization is nothing short of miraculous, and all the credit belongs to God — and a mother who was captivated by The Chosen.

For those familiar with Jenkins’ work, it comes as no surprise that his passion for storytelling often blends humor, heart, and deep faith. However, his interest in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever predates the rise of The Chosen. The Illinois native had always been drawn to Robinson’s 1972 novel, which tells the story of six unruly Herdman children who disrupt a church’s Christmas pageant only to end up revealing the true meaning of the holiday. The comedic yet profound narrative had touched Jenkins so deeply that he and his wife Amanda began reading the book every Christmas, a tradition that moved him to tears year after year.

“I was born to make it,” Jenkins said, recalling how he felt called to bring the beloved story to the screen. “There’s a reason this book has been read in public schools, and it’s not because the message is watered down. It’s because it’s told so well, it doesn’t feel preachy, yet the message of Jesus is there.”

But making that dream a reality was no small feat. For years, Jenkins’ efforts to acquire the film rights to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever were met with resistance. Despite repeated attempts, the rights were tied up in legalities, preventing the director from moving forward. Still, Jenkins, a man of unwavering faith, kept praying. He even had a recurring note on his calendar: “pray for Pageant.”

His perseverance eventually paid off. One day, Jenkins learned the studio that held the rights had let them lapse. He reached out to the group of producers who now controlled the rights and made his case. That’s when divine intervention stepped in through an unexpected advocate — a mom who was a fan of The Chosen.

As Jenkins recounts, one of the producers shared a life-changing phone call with him. “Just a few days ago, my mom called me and said, ‘Have you seen this show called The Chosen?’ And I said, ‘No.’ She goes, ‘You have to see it!’” When the producer told his mother that the show’s creator had been asking about the film rights to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, she responded, “You better give him the rights! He’s the only one who can make this movie!”

It was that mother’s enthusiasm — and Jenkins’ relentless prayers — that led to the breakthrough. After years of waiting and hoping, Jenkins secured the rights and set out to make the movie, which will debut in theaters on November 8.

Reflecting on the long and, at times, difficult journey, Jenkins said the timing was perfect, despite the delays. “I know that 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have known how to handle this,” he admitted. “And I probably wouldn’t have made as good of a product because I would not have been as surrendered to God in the process of it.”

Jenkins sees the entire experience, from the creation of The Chosen to the unfolding of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, as part of a divine plan. “It’s a calling fulfilled to see this movie finally come to life,” he shared. “The fact that I’m even talking to you about it is, in and of itself, a miracle I didn’t think ever was going to happen.”

In a world where projects often rely on luck and connections, Jenkins credits God for orchestrating every step of the process. Through faith, perseverance, and the unlikely advocacy of a mom who loved The Chosen, Jenkins is now set to bring one of the most beloved Christmas stories to life — a holiday film that will entertain while sharing the message of Jesus in a heartfelt, authentic way.

With The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Dallas Jenkins offers a new gift to audiences, one that blends the joy and humor of the season with the true meaning of Christmas, much like the original book that inspired him. It’s a testament to faith, the power of prayer, and a reminder that God’s timing is always perfect.