The Preacher's Wife

Watching the movie, The Preacher’s Wife is a holiday tradition that I have for myself. It is themed around Christmas time, so it is appropriate for this time of year. The movie is set in New York City and features an all-star cast featuring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Loretta Divine, and Gregory Hines. The movie tells the story of a pastor, Reverend Henry Biggs, leading his struggling church and additional issues that arise when serving as a leader of a church congregation in a predominately Black community. The church’s financial struggles also strain his relationship with his wife, Julia Biggs, played by Whitney Houston. Reverend Biggs' prays to God for help, and the answer to his prayers comes in the form of an angel named Dudley, played by Denzel Washington, to help Reverend Biggs get everything back on track again. Throughout the movie, Dudley attempts to help the family and church and eventually falls for Julia. After a series of events, Dudley remembers his true purpose and helps the family get back on track before he returns to Heaven. The movie portrays a message of family, hope, love, and the spirit of Christmas. It also features Whitney Houston singing! A whole soundtrack was created for the movie, and it is wonderful. I have been obsessed with the movie ever since I saw it 20 years ago as a 9-year-old girl. The depiction seemed so familiar to me, even as a child. I am not quite sure how, but I could totally understand a church’s financial struggles, a teen on the verge of serving jail time, and even marital issues between a husband and wife. My favorite character was Julia. I identified her character as a sweet, gentle, feminine character that was a woman with her heart in her home and family, inspiring and serving others. I even identified with her sassiness as a child, as she stood up to her husband and others when needed. In my eyes, Julia Biggs was a quintessential woman I wanted to emulate. The host of characters, with their words and behaviors, was the icing on the cake! What is your favorite holiday movie, and why?