Karl took all of us to see The Nativity Story yesterday afternoon. I was kind of indifferent about seeing it. Actually, I didn’t want to get my hopes up about it and then be disappointed because it didn’t meet my expectations. You never know what kind of creative license a director will take.

The characters are very well-developed. In the end, I think my favorite character turned out to be Joseph. Once he realizes the importance of the child Mary carries, their moments together in the movie are very sweet. My favorite one is when he is telling Mary about the dream he had in which the angel came to him and told him, “Do not be afraid.” Mary asks, “Are you afraid?” He laughs as he admits he is afraid, which seems to help strengthen their relationship in the movie because we already know that Mary is afraid. My other favorite moments in the movie occur between Mary and Elizabeth. I had already thought about what these scenes might be like and I was not disappointed. I missed John’s birth because Abbey had to go to the bathroom. (sigh)

I also really enjoyed the Wise Men. There are very few laughs throughout the film, but the portrayal of the wise men helped to lighten it a bit. That is, until they reach Bethlehem. For some reason, I didn’t feel the gravity of Jesus’ birth until the wise men arrived and presented their gifts. Mary finally gives birth, and she and Joseph don’t say much, and it’s probably good that they don’t. One lone angel heralds Christ’s birth to the shepherds–hardly the heavenly host I envision. Then, the wise men arrive and they are truly shocked that the King of kings is in a stable. They are the only ones in the film who really “get” what is happening and when they see the babe, with the understanding that he is “God made flesh,” you can see how humble they become. They added the weight to Christ’s birth that I wanted the scene to have.

One thing I could have done without–the scene of Mary and Joseph crossing the river. It doesn’t add anything to the story and it makes the journey to Bethlehem even longer.

All in all, I enjoyed the movie. I had a very hard time not boo-hooing through the whole thing. I’m not kidding, I think I started crying at the very beginning when Zechariah is offering prayers at the altar of incense and had to fight tears the rest of the film. I guess it’s because in so many ways and levels this is my story. To put it simply, I was a captive to sin until Jesus was born in me. It also reminded me that God is faithful to do as He promised and that nothing can frustrate His plans and purposes.

I’m happy to recommend this movie to you this Christmas season.