At the beginning of the trailer for the new movie, Journey To Bethlehem, the following words flash across the screen...
The Greatest Story Ever
So I HAVE to ask, if this is the "Greatest Story Ever" - which I agree with, why is the story reimagined, embellished, and now an annoying musical?
I could write for days on the significance of this event. And I have. I've written a whole post just on the parents of Jesus and how Jesus set aside His divine glory and became the Son of Man. Religion has made a mess of it, trying to discover who had sex with Mary. And its been there in Scripture for almost 2,000 years! Mary was a Mother by faith, not by flesh. You could produce a fairly entertaining film just on Mary receiving the Word of God, and the Word becoming flesh.
And it appears we have a dancing and singing Antonio Banderas as King Herod. That looks like a hoot - especially when his heavily armed soldiers join in the fun. And of course the diversity hires, because how could you produce a historical film these days without casting someone from every racial group? We can only wonder if they followed the Kathleen Kennedy formula of making films. (pardon the language at the link, but the message is timely)
Another thing I noticed is the common mistake of only having three Magi, and having them visit Jesus in Bethlehem. It was very likely that far more than three visited the KING of the Jews, following a star. And they did not arrive until the CHILD was older, and living in a house in Nazareth - well after Mary and Joseph had presented Him at the Temple and fulfilled all that was required of the Law. It may look sweet on greeting cards or in pictures, but at least try and follow the Bible.
This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family, weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told, the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. IMDB
Just what the world needs - new Christmas and pop songs! There is nothing wrong with either one, as long as they do not undermine the TRUTH of what this event meant for mankind. I've written my own Christian fiction around this event. Its obviously meant for entertainment, which is how they SHOULD present this film. It is not a retelling. It is a REIMAGINING of the story of the birth of our Savior. This is not a fairy tale to be updated to tickle the senses of modern viewers. This is the story of the birth of the Son of God. The man who would pay the ultimate price for ALL SIN, and ALL TIME. Have some respect.
Does the word FAITH have any real meaning to the world? Because the greatest example of faith happens when the angel visits Mary. When you contrast that event with the angel's appearance to Zacharias, you really appreciate what faith IS, It is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for. And when Mary said, "Be it unto me according to your Word." that allowed the Holy Spirit to act. Religion made the virgin birth into a doctrine. It is not. It was simply a Messianic SIGN. However, many people miss one of the greatest examples of how faith works during this time in Mary's life.
Here is the trailer.
It sort of reminds me of a musical comedy version of the Nativity Story that was released back in 2006. I want to believe that the actors, writers, director, and producers meant well. But something in my heart screams that they are simply trivializing such a special moment in history. I have often thought folks who don't believe in Scripture should probably refrain from making films or writing songs about it. I would think that would be true of any religion. If you hate the source material, its unlikely that you will give it your best.
As far as costumes, sets, scenes - I've only seen the trailer. And that was enough to keep me away from watching it, and especially not paying for it. Some of the folks involved with Glee helped put this together, so if musical numbers are your thing, maybe you will like it. I for one prefer the source material. Please keep in mind, they are free to make whatever they want. If their motives are pure, then God Bless their work. I would love to see a film about Jesus' birth that was faithful to Scripture, not tradition or some director's imagination.
UPDATE: $2.4 million for the weekend and which landed the film in 7th place. Maybe word-of-mouth can salvage something if it stays in theaters through the holidays. The spin has already emerged that a "Christian" film failed. That is not correct. It is at best a religious musical, and its no surprise that many Believers avoided it.
One of the things I do is write Christian Children's stories, songs, and Christian content for my blogs. So for some alternative content - all free, visit my Christmas stories page. And a few of my videos are linked below. Some stories are clearly fiction. But they do not undermine the story, or the values found in God's Word. As an example, It's A Wonderful Life, is in no way a Christian film. And yet it is globally cherished for a message that honors Biblical values, and it is a timeless story! Dear Hollywood directors and producers, do THAT, and you will get Believers flocking to the theater, and watching it every Christmas.
Kirsi, The Little Lost Lamb - A story about a lamb determined to see Baby Jesus.
Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem - A story about the Christmas star that appeared over Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus.
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