Great American Family is set to deliver another heartwarming dose of holiday spirit with its upcoming 2025 film, ‘A Christmas Prayer.’ Starring familiar faces Shae Robins and Christopher Russell, this movie promises to weave a tale of miracles, faith, and rekindled love, embodying the core values that Great American Media’s CEO, Bill Abbott, champions for the network’s burgeoning Christmas programming.
The holiday season on Great American Family is synonymous with stories of love, family, and unwavering faith. As part of its extensive “Great American Christmas” programming, the network is preparing to unveil ‘A Christmas Prayer,’ a film designed to resonate deeply with viewers seeking uplifting and purposeful entertainment.
This particular film, scheduled to premiere in 2025, highlights Great American Family’s dedication to narratives that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. While many channels offer festive rom-coms, Great American Family aims to distinguish itself by centering its films around profound themes of community, spiritual connection, and genuine human compassion, a vision strongly articulated by Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott.
The Heartwarming Story of ‘A Christmas Prayer’
‘A Christmas Prayer’ introduces us to Natalie, a weary children’s book illustrator portrayed by Shae Robins. Natalie finds her lost creativity and revitalized faith by secretly fulfilling the heartfelt prayer list of a young girl named Caroline, played by Madeleine Cox. Unbeknownst to her, Natalie’s actions become the answer to Caroline’s father’s Christmas wish—Wes, played by Christopher Russell—for love, healing, and hope.
The film is described as a “heartfelt film about the miracles that happen when people come together for the greater good,” serving as a powerful reminder of the season’s significance. Bill Abbott emphasized this distinction, stating, “Rooted in faith, family, and community, the film exemplifies what makes Great American Christmas stand apart from other holiday movie events. Great American Christmas original films reflect the true meaning of the season with heart, purpose, and authenticity,” as detailed by Parade.
Meet the Stars of the Film
The cast of ‘A Christmas Prayer’ brings a wealth of experience in the holiday and romantic comedy genres, making them beloved figures in the fan community.
- Shae Robins (Natalie): Robins has steadily built her career in heartwarming productions. Fans may recognize her from Great American Family’s ‘Destined at Christmas’ and its subsequent sequel, ‘Destined 2: Christmas Once More,’ as well as films like ‘Identical Love’ and ‘Masquerade Mix-Up.’
- Christopher Russell (Wes): A highly popular actor in romantic comedies, Russell has starred in numerous holiday films, including Great American Family’s ‘A Vintage Christmas.’ He is also a familiar face on the network’s series ‘When Hope Calls,’ a spin-off of Hallmark Channel’s ‘When Calls the Heart.’
- Madeleine Cox (Caroline): The young actress has already made her mark in several festive productions, including ‘’Tis the Season to Be Merry,’ ‘The Holiday Shift,’ and ‘Christmas in the Spotlight.’
Great American Family’s Enduring Vision
Great American Family’s commitment to faith and family-centric programming has been a cornerstone of its brand identity. Bill Abbott has consistently emphasized the network’s goal to provide content that reinforces traditional values, offering an alternative to secular holiday movies. This focus has helped the network achieve significant growth, becoming one of TV’s fastest-growing networks in recent years.
Abbott has stated that while many holiday films may share a similar romantic ending, Great American Family’s movies offer a distinct experience by deeply integrating “the spirit of the season, which is faith and family, and those elements that are so important — and so much a part of the fabric of Christmas.” He has underlined that the network actively celebrates “Jesus’ birth,” aiming to counter the secularization of the holiday’s true meaning, a philosophy detailed in a report by Movieguide.
Release Details for ‘A Christmas Prayer’
Fans eager to experience the uplifting story of ‘A Christmas Prayer’ can anticipate its exclusive streaming debut on Great American Pure Flix beginning Thursday, October 16, 2025. Following its digital release, the movie will have its linear broadcast premiere on Great American Family on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.
It’s important for viewers to note that this specific film, featuring Shae Robins and Christopher Russell, is distinct from Great American Family’s 2023 lineup of 20 new movies, and it is also separate from a TV One movie released under the same title in late 2022. Great American Family’s ‘A Christmas Prayer’ is a fresh addition to its growing library of faith-inspired holiday programming.
The Broader ‘Great American Christmas’ Event
‘A Christmas Prayer’ is just one jewel in the crown of the comprehensive “Great American Christmas” event, which kicks off in October and provides around-the-clock holiday entertainment. This annual programming block features a robust slate of new original movies, designed to bring families together with positive and uplifting narratives.
With stars like Danica McKellar, Candace Cameron Bure, Chad Michael Murray, Trevor Donovan, and Jen Lilley anchoring various projects, Great American Family continues to expand its festive offerings. The network focuses on developing strong characters, engaging locations, and heartfelt music, all contributing to movies that allow families to relax and enjoy the season without distraction, reaffirming why fans eagerly anticipate each new release from Great American Family.
As Great American Family continues to grow and solidify its place in the holiday entertainment landscape, films like ‘A Christmas Prayer’ serve as a testament to its distinctive approach—delivering meaningful stories that celebrate faith, foster family bonds, and remind us all of the miracles possible during the most wonderful time of the year.
