First of all: I'm not a person of faith or belief. That means I pretty much abstain from organized religion and spiritualism in general. Having said that, the impact faith has had on human society has always polarized people (excuse the pun). That's undeniable.
I approached watching this film with the "aw, what the heck, I'm bored, let's see if this film adds any substance to the argument of how to greet people at the end of the year". Surprisingly, it did.
Despite the fact that Brad Stine's character was so annoying that - after awhile - I muted him anytime he came on screen (subtitles are the way to go), the acting was pretty typical for your low budget 90 minute Christmas flick. That is, with my apologies to Ted McGinley. I can't get him out of his "Married...with Children" role in my head. Truthfully, I don't think I want to. Overall the acting left much to be desired. The argument about public funds paying for a decoration that would have spiritual meaning to fewer people than the population represents is a tired one.
Nevertheless, there were a few refreshing things in this movie. 1) The pastor wasn't a pulpit-based "fire and brimstone" motivated individual with tunnel vision. He spoke with fairness and respect. 2) The scenery. Oh, man, the scenery. I have to hand it to the cinematographers for allowing the absolute freezing beauty of Alaska be a main character. If only I liked the cold more. 3) There's probably a reason why we see Danny Baldwin in this flick instead of Stephen Baldwin: it's not a film that has a 'born-again or irredeemable' feel to it. 4) If I were to read a biography of the individual that inspired New Testament Christianity instead of The Bible, Jesus would be described as a man who loved and was in service to his people without ceasing. Period. That's a big part of the sentiment the film is trying to portray. I'm good with that. Many Christians are Christians who aim to be inspired by this behavior. Note I said many, not all.
I gave it a 3 because the old argument we've heard too much about already is rehashed, the acting was forced, the plot was predictable, and I fell asleep halfway thru it and had to watch it later. The script was very disengaging. But the refreshing parts made up for a good portion of that.