Dallas Jenkins, celebrated for his groundbreaking Jesus-themed series The Chosen, has fulfilled another life-long aspiration—adapting Barbara Robinson’s beloved 1972 novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever into a feature film. The movie, released on November 8 nationwide, represents a culmination of years of persistence and prayer for Jenkins.
A Divine Calling to Adapt the Story
Jenkins revealed on Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell that he felt deeply “called by God” to bring the story to life. After reading the novel, Jenkins said, “I believe this is a movie that I was born to make.” He began pursuing film rights immediately but soon learned another studio had already taken up the project.
Unwilling to give up, Jenkins adopted a unique approach—he created a recurring digital reminder titled “Pray for Pageant,” a weekly call to prayer for God to open doors. Despite repeated rejections, Jenkins remained steadfast, praying fervently that the film would fall into his hands.
Years of Rejection and Renewed Hope
Over five years, Jenkins faced repeated disappointments. When one studio’s plans fell through, another quickly secured the rights. At one particularly low point, Jenkins admitted he considered deleting his prayer prompt. “I can’t keep getting my hopes up,” he recalled telling himself. But he felt a clear message from God: keep praying and hoping.
The series gained unprecedented success as Jenkins poured his energy into The Chosen. Yet, his desire to make The Best Christmas Pageant Ever never faded. Eventually, he reconnected with the rights holders and discovered that the project had stalled again.
Perseverance Pays Off
This unexpected twist reignited Jenkins’ opportunity to pursue his dream. The film now stands as a testament to the power of prayer, faith, and persistence. Jenkins credits his unwavering belief in God’s calling for ultimately bringing the beloved story to theaters.
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