This month, the beautiful 2024 Academy Award winning animate short War Is Over was made available on YouTube for the first time, inspired by the John Lennon and Yoko Ono classic Happy Xmas (War Is Over), and featuring the cel shaded art style of Unreal Engine. There is no specific battle or country mentioned in this short, just a look at the humanity and sacrifice behind the grim reality of war:

Also this week, was a two part KDrama created for YouTube, The Christmas Song, an urban fairy tale that reminds us angels are watching over us through the generations. You do not need subtitles for this (only at the start of Part 2, does the priest ask in Korean “How much time to I have left?”), as most of features the music played over the action. It’s all in the visual storytelling.

You also do not need to be Catholic or into KDramas to be touched by this story.

These two pieces couldn’t be more different. One is more nonreligious and another with a distinct Christian focus, but both take us away from the commercial, glitzy craziness in which many associate the season.

The last days before Christmas can feel a bit rushed, and crazy for those of us taking on the task of creating the best Christmas and holiday season experience for everyone, but sometimes, you need to take a momen and remember Jesus’s message of love, peace and joy.