For many Black families, the church family has long extended beyond the building’s walls. Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas brings gospel legends and R&B powerhouses together for a holiday story about faith, family and the fight to keep a community’s spiritual home standing strong.
The new original film, which calls on the season’s spirit through gospel music and faith, stars R&B singer Durrell “Tank” Babbs. He plays Isaac, a struggling minister who travels to New York City with his wife, Rebecca (Fantasia Barrino), to rebuild a failing church in a rough neighborhood. Along the way, he battles doubt, temptation and a sinister adversary motivated by greed. Isaac must rediscover his faith and the power of prayer through music to overcome this obstacle and bring the church back to its rightful glory.
Perry, who was inspired by inspirational songs that have carried him through the years, draws on generations of gospel talent to bring that spiritual world to the screen. With Kirk Franklin producing the film’s music, it’s an enticing blend of contemporary and classic songs spanning gospel, rap, and holiday music, according to Tudum.
The cast includes CeCe Winans, known for “Alabaster Box” and her rendition of “Goodness of God”; Pastor Shirley Caesar of Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose classics include “Hold My Mule”; four-time Grammy winner Yolanda Adams, the voice behind “Open My Heart”; and Fred Hammond, known for his work with Commissioned and Radical for Christ and anthems including “No Weapon.” Joining them are Smokie Norful, Jekalyn Carr, Hezekiah Walker, Le’Andria Johnson, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, along with Sounds of Blackness alum Ann Nesby and R&B powerhouse Chanté Moore.
The legendary Clark Sisters—Twinkie Clark, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Jacky Clark Chisholm—also appear in acting roles. Twinkie plays Aunt Susan, Karen plays Aunt Lynn, Dorinda plays Aunt Pearl and Jacky plays Bella. The supporting cast includes Ricco Ross, John Gray, Carl Lentz, Mason Douglas, Lauren Chanel and Eric Wiltz.
Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas premieres on Netflix on November 11.