Christmas a Time for Joy (2002): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2002, Christmas a Time for Joy is a comedy and family film directed by Bill Gaither, running about 90 minutes. “The top Holiday songs by the Gaithers and friends.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The styles are varied in this wonderful show, but the quality always high, with renditions of familiar classics along with a few original songs, with some numbers that are truly thrilling, among them the opening song, a bluegrass flavored "It's a Time for Joy" with Karen Peck and New River, the Gaither Vocal Band with David Phelps doing an exquisite tenor solo on "The Christmas Song" (and Mark Lowry doing Johnny Mathis !), "Children Go Where I Send Thee" with The Bishops giving us harmonies from heaven, the country rockin' sound of "Go Tell" with The Martins, and best of all, "Mary, Did You Know ?" (music and lyrics by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green), sung by the Gaither Vocal Band featuring an emotionally stirring solo by Mark Lowry. The words, melody, and interpretation of this song fills my eyes with tears when I hear it...the disc is worth it for this number alone. -Alejandra Vernon

Who’s in it. Christmas a Time for Joy stars Bill Gaither as Self, Gloria Gaither as Self, Mark Lowry as Self and David Phelps as Self, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.2/10, Christmas a Time for Joy has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Christmas a Time for Joy page.

If you liked it. Fans of Christmas a Time for Joy tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.