The Nativity Story

When I go to the movies (which is rare these days due to the lack of anything appropriate to see) I have a hard time deciding which I like better--the popcorn or the movie. I’m happy to report that my most recent movie-going experience found the movie finishing far ahead of the popcorn.

Mike, Chad and I set off this past Friday night to see the new movie, The Nativity Story. My expectations were set low and I prepared myself for a complete misrepresentation of this amazing story. We waited outside until the previews were over (something my dad taught me long ago--thanks, Dad!) consuming half of our popcorn and candy before the movie even started. As soon as it was “safe” we snuck in and found our seats.

I won’t give anything away (like Nicole always does), but I will say that this was one instance where I found myself quite happy to be wrong. To borrow the words of Dr. Al Mohler from his review: “The movie faithfully presents the main thrust of the Christmas story. That is no small achievement. The movie, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, takes some liberties with the biblical accounts found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Nevertheless, the invented scenes and dialogue do not distract from the biblical storyline.”

The Nativity Story also proved to be very moving. It only took about thirty seconds before I was wiping my eyes. I found myself affected once again by the events surrounding my Savior’s birth. He entered this world with a glaring absence of celebration and fanfare: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) It’s a rare occasion when a movie provides such a sweet reminder.

So, consider viewing The Nativity Story if you have time this holiday season. I think you will enjoy what you see.

P.S. Parents, as always, please review this movie yourself before taking your kiddos.