The grandfather figure (Chap) is dealing with the recent loss of his wife and it's made him reclusive and grouchy. Circumstances force him to put aside his hurt in favor of helping others and processing his grief in a healthier way. I really enjoyed Steve J. Young as Chap. He seemed like someone you'd just want to hug in church. Cassidy, the little girl, knows NOTHING, absolutely nothing of the true Christmas story and she begins to learn all about it in such a sweet way that it was a genuine pleasure to watch. The villain, Eddie, does a good job of being believable. I only wish they had called the sheriff on him at some point. I can't say I'm a fan of actress Tara Reid who played the long-distance daughter, Laura, sporting raccoon looking eye-makeup, but she was not the main focus thankfully because in my opinion her acting was sub-par compared with the rest of the cast. Overall, I needed a tissue a couple of times, I appreciated the rural Kentucky ranch town that I would welcome visiting, loved how the "family" came together, the kindness of nice-guy Tyler (played by Randy Wayne) who's role is appropriate... showing a bit of romantic interest without being over the top because it's such a new relationship and I liked that. The manger story was thoughtfully and gently shared in a unique way. Although it's not a big box office budget it does not come off as a cheesy low-budget film. Most the actors did a good job. I would watch it again and recommend it to friends and family.

I like how the more recent Christmas TV films are taking on a different tack with their stories. For this one the romance isn't the key focus, but it bases itself more on family, in particular, estrangement and finding the right ones. It covers abusive relationships and shows some of the support that you might not know is available, whilst also providing a festive backdrop and a simple romantic beginning.

It's not going to win any Oscar's and Tara Reid should be lucky to get any acting work again after her performance, but it's wholesome and nice, if a bit too Bible-bashy in places for my tastes.

This film was a real surprise. I expected a "Hallmark" type Christmas movie - nice, but shallow. Christmas Manger was a wonderful current day Christmas story. Given what must have been a very small budget and mostly unknown actors, there is a real depth to the story and the characters as the movie progresses. The main character is a senior man who recently lost his much loved wife. The story itself is about the redemption of flawed individuals that is so much a part of the promise of the Christmas manger.