6.9 stars.
I like the idea of this story, that an angel would be eager to help a town find their Christmas spirit again. They might as well use a leprechaun, an elf, or even Santa to produce the magic they are attempting to spread. If you're going to introduce us to an angel, at least get the lore correct. First of all, if you read any literature (fiction for most people, nonfiction for Christians), you will know that angels are rarely bearers of good news and they are not cheery folk. Angels as depicted in written works and art dating back to about 2200 BCE (give or take) were fearsome and hair-raising creatures to humans. All the literature suggests that people would tremble and faint with fright at the sight of one of these beings. The texts suggest that these messengers did not intend to scare people, but something about their aura was horrifying. This particular angel Gabby appears to be Gabriel or a female version of him (although many scholars believe that Gabriel was in fact a female). But she appears naive and over-optimistic, and quite ignorant of worldly customs and knowledge in general. An angel that has been around for many thousands of years, according to the mythology, would seem much more intelligent and in control of the whole situation. Michael would not be as he was either, it's just too far fetched.
Like I said, the story is fun and uplifting. The music evokes some teary eyed moments, the leads share an affinity for each other that is seldom seen in Hallmark movies; but if the author is trying to redefine our knowledge and understanding of angels, then this is a very peculiar spin on it.
I won't spoil it, but theologically this "angel" would be considered a fallen one and the whole "free will" and angel vs human concept expressed in this movie are so far off, it's laughable. But oh well, who doesn't love a great story?
I like the idea of this story, that an angel would be eager to help a town find their Christmas spirit again. They might as well use a leprechaun, an elf, or even Santa to produce the magic they are attempting to spread. If you're going to introduce us to an angel, at least get the lore correct. First of all, if you read any literature (fiction for most people, nonfiction for Christians), you will know that angels are rarely bearers of good news and they are not cheery folk. Angels as depicted in written works and art dating back to about 2200 BCE (give or take) were fearsome and hair-raising creatures to humans. All the literature suggests that people would tremble and faint with fright at the sight of one of these beings. The texts suggest that these messengers did not intend to scare people, but something about their aura was horrifying. This particular angel Gabby appears to be Gabriel or a female version of him (although many scholars believe that Gabriel was in fact a female). But she appears naive and over-optimistic, and quite ignorant of worldly customs and knowledge in general. An angel that has been around for many thousands of years, according to the mythology, would seem much more intelligent and in control of the whole situation. Michael would not be as he was either, it's just too far fetched.
Like I said, the story is fun and uplifting. The music evokes some teary eyed moments, the leads share an affinity for each other that is seldom seen in Hallmark movies; but if the author is trying to redefine our knowledge and understanding of angels, then this is a very peculiar spin on it.
I won't spoil it, but theologically this "angel" would be considered a fallen one and the whole "free will" and angel vs human concept expressed in this movie are so far off, it's laughable. But oh well, who doesn't love a great story?