We went to see this movie this afternoon. It is very beautiful visually and the score is nice. I thought the story was well told, but I was hoping for a little bit more humanity from Mary and Joseph. They seemed very aware they were in a Nativity....looking really peaceful and mild most of the time.
Or zonked out. Maybe that was help from God, 'cause they were sure needing it.
When the shepherds show up at the stable...Mary and Joseph just gaze calmly at them. Seems to me they might say, at least to each other, at least with a look: "Holy CWAP!"
And then, the Magi show up, and M&J remain totally laid back. Even when these amazing presents are given. I whispered to Ken, "I bet they've never seen anyone dressed like THAT before!" He whispered back, "Yeah, they're thinking "Wow, drag queens!" Sorry if this seems irreverent...it's not meant that way. But so much of the truth of the scripture & story for me is how much I think I can identify with the humanity of the characters.
One very poignant moment comes when M&J and the donkey are traveling through a busy town market and a woman presses a food item on Mary...they say no, thank you, but she insists: "For your baby!" she says. Then the woman clasps Joseph's hand and tells him meaningfully, "There is no greater joy than to see YOUR face on the face of your child!"
I felt sad for myself, not having had that experience...then was surprised to see Joseph look sad, too...then realized that of course the woman doesn't know that this child is NOT Joseph's. He and Mary clasp hands, hard.
I give thanks to Joseph, the patron saint of stepparents. (This is certainly not an original thought with me! but it is helpful at this time of year).
