"The Nativity Story" - A disillusion of Christmas
We watched “The Nativity Story” at Cinemark Tinseltown. Nowadays, very seldom one can see a commercial narration which follows the scripture sincerely; without “Ho (hole) Ho (hole) Ho (hole)” in Christmas. What a disillusion of Christmas!
I can detect at least two journeys of pilgrimage in the story: one of the Magi, and the other of Joseph and Mary. I love the debate among the Magi: a passion of running after a star just “happen” to be “very bright”, and a Magus’ concern of a departure from his familiar homey comfy environment. The sand dune in their background while they were traveling in the dessert with an image that it could devour them any minute while they were riding along. Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage of the birth of Christ was filled with faith. Equality has reached; historically Mary had been the major chosen character to portray in birth of Christ, now Joseph finally being accredited: his internal strength and endurance. A few months ago I was wonder why people mostly or only accredit virgin Mary but not Joseph as I found him must have great godly character with strong spirit to accomplish his earthly duty of supporting of “virgin” Mary and God’s son. Now, I see it in “The Nativity Story”. It is a true covenantal love story.
The handling of the scenes in terms of time is very intelligent. King Herod’s calculated (making sure the lineage of David be in Bethlehem to await his murdering plan), cold-blooded and ferocious order of killing all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under (Matthew 2:16-18) , a “one year later…” print followed, and then the story of nativity unfolded. To people who are familiar with the Bible, this would be a very clear contrast, mostly a thankful, between the two kingships. To people who are less familiar with Bible, this will minimize confusion, and hopefully to bring out the different concept of secular and God’s kingdoms - opening up an opportunity / a choice for us seeking further into the Bible.
A movie deserves gracious wept!
I can detect at least two journeys of pilgrimage in the story: one of the Magi, and the other of Joseph and Mary. I love the debate among the Magi: a passion of running after a star just “happen” to be “very bright”, and a Magus’ concern of a departure from his familiar homey comfy environment. The sand dune in their background while they were traveling in the dessert with an image that it could devour them any minute while they were riding along. Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage of the birth of Christ was filled with faith. Equality has reached; historically Mary had been the major chosen character to portray in birth of Christ, now Joseph finally being accredited: his internal strength and endurance. A few months ago I was wonder why people mostly or only accredit virgin Mary but not Joseph as I found him must have great godly character with strong spirit to accomplish his earthly duty of supporting of “virgin” Mary and God’s son. Now, I see it in “The Nativity Story”. It is a true covenantal love story.
The handling of the scenes in terms of time is very intelligent. King Herod’s calculated (making sure the lineage of David be in Bethlehem to await his murdering plan), cold-blooded and ferocious order of killing all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under (Matthew 2:16-18) , a “one year later…” print followed, and then the story of nativity unfolded. To people who are familiar with the Bible, this would be a very clear contrast, mostly a thankful, between the two kingships. To people who are less familiar with Bible, this will minimize confusion, and hopefully to bring out the different concept of secular and God’s kingdoms - opening up an opportunity / a choice for us seeking further into the Bible.
A movie deserves gracious wept!
posted by Clara Yeung at
9:52 PM
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