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The Heart of Christmas DVD
It takes an entire community to make a little boy’s dreams come true in the Image Entertainment release of The Heart of Christmas, the heartbreaking yet hopeful film about a family faced with losing their child and their quest to give him one last Christmas. Based on the inspiring true story that gained national attention, The Heart of Christmas boasts a stellar cast that includes Candace Cameron Bure (“Make It or Break It,” “Full House”), Jeanne Nielson (Faith Like Potatoes), George Newbern (Father of the Bride), and Erin Bethea (Fireproof). The film recently received an Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Lyrics and Music for its title song, composed and performed by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter, Matthew West, who is also featured in the film. A wonderful gift for everyone, The Heart of Christmas heads to DVD on October 16, 2012 for an SRP of $27.97.
The Heart of Christmas tells the story of Austin and Julie Locke, who are devastated to learn that their young son, Dax, has been diagnosed with cancer. With courage, determination and faith, they decide to give Dax one last Christmas – even if it has to be in October. When the community sees the holiday decorations and learns the heartbreaking truth, what happens next is a miraculous outpouring of care and support. The Heart of Christmas will touch your heart and bring home the spirit of the holidays.
In 2010, singer/songwriter Matthew West asked his fans to send him their inspiring true stories so he could turn those stories into songs. Among the thousands of submissions he received, there were three separate letters about the Locke family and the community that came together to support them. Moved by the letters, Matthew wrote “One Last Christmas,” which inspired the filmmakers to share the story with an even wider audience. Premiering on GMC last December, The Heart of Christmas became the most-watched World Premiere Movie in the history of the network, drawing 3.6 million viewers.
For more information about this inspiring true story of hope and compassion, visit the Dax Locke Foundation website at: http://www.daxlocke.org.
My review:
The story of Dax Locke is one that I can not wrap my head around. As a mother who has had a child in the NICU I know the constant knot in your stomach that never seems to leave or relent. To have a child who’s outlook is grim, I am not sure I could be as positive as Austin and Julie Locke. The Heart of Christmas reminds you how easily you can take life and family for granted. That the daily grind can take over your life and replace a sense of togetherness with completely separate lives. This movie takes you on a wild ride of emotions, especially if you have lost a love one from cancer like I have. I am not a religious person (very spiritual, but not a fan of religion per say) so some of the religious undertones were a bit much for me, but it doesn’t take away from the strong message the movie presents or the reminder not to take anything for granted. I have gone through a major health crisis and I know how isolating it can be and how lonely you feel. It was a wonderful thing that the Locke’s community felt the need to protect and care for this family. Most people wouldn’t have given the family a second look. 
The subject manner is pretty heavy but GMC did a good job with the sensitive nature of this story, I think it’s told at a level that kids would be able to grasp and handle.
My favorite part is the recognition and support that this movie has given St. Jude’s Research Center. It is a terrific organization that wholeheartedly helps one family at a time and helps them feel like they are not so alone.
The Heart of Christmas is a wonderful movie to watch for the holidays with your family. It teaches lessons that children today, I think, need to remember. Family is forever. There will always be a new video game, phone, tv or computer but you can never replace your family or the time you spend with them.
I have 3 copies of The Heart of Christmas to giveaway!
