Light of the Word: 3 Minutes with Rebekah Schafer

Lisa M. Hendey interviews Rebekah Schafer, the voice behind Mary in the new animated film Light of the World.

When it comes to animated films, I am a massive fan of any project that captures the hearts and minds of viewers and keeps us entertained and invested. So when I had the opportunity to screen Light of the World, coming to theaters this weekend, I was all in. This 2D-animated tale offers us a look at the life of Jesus from a unique perspective: through the eyes of the Apostle John, often called the “beloved disciple.”

In my conversation with Rebekah Schafer, I was keenly interested in understanding how playing a role like Mary, the mother of Jesus, impacts one spiritually and relationally. Enjoy our conversation below to learn how she prepared to play this role of a lifetime.

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About Rebekah Schafer:

Rebekah Schafer brings a deep well of ministry experience and creative passion to her role as the voice of Mary in Light of the World from The Salvation Poem Project. A Virginia Beach native and pastor’s daughter, she grew up in a large family of nine siblings and developed a heart for service early on. Her ministry journey has taken her from teaching at a missions school in Israel to serving with Joy Ministries in Virginia, where she ministered to single mothers, widows, and at-risk youth. From 2015 to 2025, Rebekah worked with CBN’s Orphans’ Promise, further extending her impact on children and families worldwide. A gifted songwriter and worship leader, she has contributed original music to New Life Church’s Pursuit Worship Album as well as CBN’s Superbook series. She led worship faithfully at her home church and for CBN special events, and has also been invited to speak at women’s conferences and on CBN Interactive. Rebekah met her husband, John, at CBN in 2015, and together they are raising their son, Josiah. The family now lives in Sparta, Wisconsin, where she continues to pursue her calling as both a mother and a creative voice in ministry.

Synopsis:

It's 30 AD and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn't exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon John, James, Andrew, Peter and their new friends begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure. This beautiful, 2D-animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus' ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, “Light of the World” powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today!

Q: Rebekah, thank you for your time and for your beautiful portrayal of Mary in the new film Light of the World. Please briefly introduce yourself to our community.

A: Thank you so much for this opportunity to get to know your community! My name is Rebekah Schafer, and I had the honor of giving voice to the character of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the animated film Light of the World. It’s coming to theaters nationwide on September 5th, and you can purchase tickets in advance at a theater near you.

Q: How did you become involved in the creation of Light of the World?

A: My husband, John, directed this film with Tom Bancroft, and asked me to read lines for Mary’s character and a few townspeople for a temporary scratch track used by the directors to see how the story and intentions of the dialogue are flowing. I found out months later that the editor, script supervisor, and heads of story felt that my performance felt “authentic” and that they’d like to keep my lines.

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Q: Portraying Mary, the Mother of Jesus, seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have interviewed other actors who have played her in various projects, and they've consistently spoken to the emotion that goes into this role. How did you prepare for your turn as Mary?

A: I tried to connect with her in the only way I felt I could, and that’s as a mom. I thought to myself, “What would I do if this were my little boy, Josiah? Yes, Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the whole world … but He was also her son, her little boy. I imagined that as He was walking the path to Calvary, glimpses and memories of His first steps … His first words … must’ve come to her mind. Memories of my sweet boy flooded my mind. Every tear, wail, and cry you hear in the film was real, from that place.

Q: There is a very tender scene in the film between John and Mary when she recounts to him the story of the nativity. In the scene, Mary has an iconic line where she says, "God rarely shows up in the ways we think he will." What does that line mean to you personally?

A: This has been my life story! There are too many examples to share of how God did just that — He showed up in a way I NEVER thought He would. I’m sure many could say the same, which is one of the things I love most about this film. There are moments, characters, and lines that we all can relate to from personal experience.

Q: How has coming to know Mary through this project brought you closer to Jesus? Has there been any other impact on your spiritual life?

A: Mary is someone I’ve always truly admired and have looked up to. When she was told by the angel, Gabriel, she had been chosen by God to give birth to His Son … what thoughts and fears must have crowded her mind in that moment. She was a young, unmarried virgin … in her culture and time, that was a death sentence. But she responded in total surrender and said, “Be unto me according to Your will.” I want to live like that. I want to raise my son with that mindset, in that place of surrender.

Q: What words of encouragement do you have for parents who will take their children to see Light of the World?

A: This film has started many conversations with my son about why Jesus came, what He did, and what that means for us. It has opened his little eyes to see the Gospel presented in a way he can understand. It’s fun and it’s captivating. I promise that YOU will enjoy it just as much as your children will. It’s a film for every generation and every age.

Q: Do you have any other thoughts or comments you would like to share?

A: As the director’s wife, I saw many sneak peeks of this film. But this summer, I had an opportunity to see a pre-screening of Light of the World with my friends and family. To be honest, seeing it on the big screen took my breath away. It brought it to life in such a powerful and impactful way. This movie has to be experienced in the theater! Don’t wait for streaming — see it in theaters on September 5th!