The Nativity Story

Got to watch this movie courtesy of my colleague, Mona--thanks Mona! :) She gave me some free movie passes for this show. Nice to have such friends that bless you in these ways!

Really touched by this show. Right from the start when Mary received the vision from the angel it just tugged at my heartstrings and set the tap flowing. It was so amazing that a woman so young (probably 16) was able to bear the challenge of stigma (of being an unwed mother), of people doubting the calling she received, and not to mention the arduous journey she had to endure to reach Betheleham. I was so in awe of the tremendous faith that the characters had. They truly deserved our awe and admiration, these men and women of faith. Joseph for one was someone who was selfless and righteous (Mary's mum called him a "good man". When I watched the show, I was thinking how I would really want to marry someone like that too).

The most important thing that stood out in this show for me was that all of them, although took divine steps of faith and obedience, were equally "Human". Like us, they had to go through those internal debates and mental distress before they found the courage to act in faith and trust of God. Mary, though a women of faith that was beyond her peers, she was still a teenage girl with her teenage inklings--the way she showed her displease when she was bethrothed. The way Mary and Joseph feared throughout their journey of living out their obedience; Joseph willing to bear the shame of having a baby out of wedlock; Mary's parents putting their trust in their daughter; even the three wise men (who were by the way such a comical trio) displayed tremendous faith in deciding that they will follow the star for more than hundred days! Still, they were humans because they had to go through difficult times of deliberation and contemplation before doing what they did.

The other important thing that touched me was the sudden awareness that dawned upon me: the sudden awareness that if these people didn't choose to follow God's promptings and visions, then Jesus wouldn't have made it to earth (He probably would have somehow but the point is that these people's faith led them to perform amazing acts that brought about the miracle of Christ)! It's little deeds of faith in God and the obedience that follows after that, which can make such a big difference in people's lives. Though I may not be a Mary, whatever I do in faith may make a big impact someone else's life. Small acts can make big differences. The pain Mary and Joseph endured was especially tough given that time and era where society was conservative and traditional, and travelling across places was tedious and dangerous. The things we go through today may be painful for us, but if it means more can be saved, why not?

We need to focus on the goal of eternity with Christ and spreading the salvation message to be able keep us going for the Lord, just like how Mary kept thinking about her child who would become the Messiah and save the world. Let's learn to fix our eyes on the unseen, pursue righteousness in our lives, and live a life that translates the love of God into reality around us. This story has touched me and reminded me of how I need to be faithful and obedient to His calling. It also reminded me that I can be capable of such acts because if Mary who was equally human could accomplish these things, then so could I. If we allow ourselves to be fearful of human circumstances then many things won't come to pass. So let's always think with the ultimate goal in mind.

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Tan Seow Hon wrote an article for the Straits Times in the Review section on 23 Dec (if I'm not wrong), "The 'Scandal of Christmas'", which I felt was a very inspiring and encouraging piece to all believers. Some excerpts below for your reading pleasure:

1. "The more accurate picture of the nativity would be one of Joseph and Mary worn out and dirty, in a dark and dirty manger...as the bible suggests, Jesus is the King of kings and the Son of God, the conditions for his birth were certainly not what most people would expect."

2. "...why choose Mary, a virgin, to bear the child Jesus? She was bethrothed to Joseph, but they were not yet married. Why not let Mary become pregnant only after they were married? That would have seemed less scandalous."

3. "...God stacked the odds against the couple uniting to raise Jesus, and also against people believing that Jesus is who he claims to be--the chosen Messiah and deliverer."

4. It is the humble and the meek who will receive Jesus and inherit this kingdom, hence it would have been counterproductive to overawe the arrogant with the attractive display of worldly power."

5. "The sacrifice and determination of Mary and Joseph in the face of difficulties signal the type of life a follower of this Messiah is expected to lead. The providence of God in ensuring the survival of Jesus despite the decrees of the king to kill all babies who might be the Messiah assures the faithful of God's will prevailing."

"This story means so much to people all around the world. I hope audiences can relate to the film on a personal level and find some inspiration to get through their own challenges and difficulties" ~Director Catherine Hardwicke