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After seeing Superman Returns, I couldn't help but feel a little cheated. Don't get me wrong. I liked the movie. But this story of Superman didn't feel so original. The story is about an otherworldly guy who dies to save unworthy people—and then rises from the dead to bring hope. Sounds a lot like someone else I know.

I felt like I'd paid 10 bucks to see a story I can read anytime—for free—in my Bible (well, minus the kryptonite and cape).

Seriously though, we see Christ-like stories in the movies all the time. Some of the biggest movies ever, from The Matrix to E.T. to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, feature a Christ figure—a character who has some traits of Jesus. Storytellers and audiences are drawn to the Christ story because there's a hole in all of us that can only be filled by him. We're moved by stories that hint at him—and the hope, redemption, grace and love he offers. Of course, Christ figures can never be exactly like our Savior. Even so, Jesus' amazing life seeps again and again into modern stories.

Before Jesus' birth, the Jewish people eagerly awaited the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament who would free them of their captivity and oppression. Prophecies of a hero with amazing abilities who'll rescue people from evil or oppression are all over movies—especially in The Matrix.

Much like before Jesus' birth, the imprisoned and oppressed world of The Matrix longed for a savior they call the Chosen One. Similarities don't end there. Morpheus, like John the Baptist, announces the Chosen One's arrival. By performing miracles, Neo proves he's the Chosen One. And many citizens of The Matrix joyfully respond to the Good News of Neo's arrival. It's much like the reponse of the old man who held the Christ child in his arms: "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32, NIV).

The common theme of fulfilled prophecy brings us hope and makes us aware of a bigger plan. As 2 Peter 1:19-21 says, prophecy is "like a light shining in a dark place. … Prophecy comes from God" (NIV).

At the time of Christ's birth, the Jewish people expected their long-awaited Messiah to be a great king or warrior. But Christ wasn't raised in a royal home by royal parents. He was a lowly commoner. Even though Jesus was God, he "didn't think being equal with God was something he should hold on to. Instead, he made himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form. He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level" (Philippians 2:6-8, NIRV).

It's very rare to see a Christ figure raised by the rich and famous. Harry Potter is a good example. Harry has great gifts and will eventually do extraordinary things. But yet he grows up in very humble circumstances. The aunt and uncle raising him don't even like him. And he sleeps in a closet.

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