Christians believe that Jesus willingly died on the cross to save all people from physical death and to redeem the repentant from sin. Theologically speaking, believers find redemption—the state of being saved from sin and death—through belief in Jesus Christ. On an individual level, redemption usually begins with a person’s baptism. If the person lives a worthy life and is sorry for their transgressions, they will spend eternity in heaven. Outside of religion, in life and literature, redemption happens when a person whose personality and life choices demonstrate bad or undesirable behavior makes a turn toward the good.

In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the idea of redemption plays out on several levels. First, new casting and the Herdmans’ involvement changes how the pageant is received. At the outset, people view the pageant with either indifference or reluctance. Yet the pageant pays homage to the events—Joseph and Mary’s trip to Bethlehem, Christ’s birth, the presence of the angels, etc.—that bring Christ into the world. The ultimate act of redemption—Christ’s death and resurrection—depends on his birth and entrance into human life. However, Charlie and the other townspeople usually wish the pageant would end sooner and be more entertaining. The pageant rarely leads people to consider the momentous occasion that it represents.