Last night Deanna and I had the privilege of seeing "The Nativity Story" in an advanced screening. I believe it releases this weekend. I do not pretend to be a movie critic. I like what I like, and don't often agree with "professional critics." I don't know what they are saying about this film. I can tell you that it is worth seeing.

As was true with the "Passion of the Christ," there is something stirring about seeing an actual depiction of what it might have been like when our Savior was born.

The write-ups, I am told, share that the movie was shot on location in Italy. Well, I can tell you that there are several parts that were filmed in North Africa. While we were there, we saw their vehicles with the film name plastered on the side of them. Many of the shots of the journey to Bethlehem for both Mary and Joseph and the Three Wise Men (or three comedians as they are portrayed) were places we saw this past summer.

Why does this matter? Because, just as each of our relationships with Jesus is very personal, so are our connections to Him. This movie had a profound impact on both Deanna and me. I do not expect others to understand the reasons, entirely.

BJ was born on October 1st. One of his first acts was to portray the One he would later die for. In his first Christmas, "BJ" played "B"aby "J"esus in our church drama. He was still and quiet while Deanna sang "Oh Lord, Your Beautiful." It was a memorable depiction.

Now, years later, after the journey we have experienced, seeing real faces and knowing it could have been like this...knowing that Mary and Joseph suffered for their obedience, and yet willingly fulfilled the roles they were asked to play in bringing the King of Kings into this world, is enormously meaningful to us.

It is meaningful because they had a choice, they could have done the culturally accepted things. Joseph could have pointed the finger at Mary and proclaimed he was not the father, and saved His own "face." Mary could have been stoned for being pregnant outside of wedlock. She could have stayed with Elizabeth, and no one would have been the wiser to her 'situation.' She held firm to what she knew was true. Joseph held true to what the Lord revealed to him. The result is that He was glorified.

We saw how the shepherds (keepers) responded. We saw the wisest of men of that day, come and honor the One who was born in the most humble fashion imaginable. We saw our King of Kings glorified! We saw His parents follow in the simple obedience they were called to, and it caused us to be so incredibly thankful for a son who would do likewise.

BJ could have followed the way of most teens today, and he would still be with us. I must tell you that this film made his sacrifice so personal to us in a way that is difficult to convey. This movie is not about our son. We know that. The tools the Lord uses to minister to the hearts of His children are often unexpected. Today, we are thankful that our son followed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, in simple obedience.

I love my Savior today, in a way that I had not experienced before. Thank you Lord Jesus for your plan. Thank you for caring about me, personally! I love You!

brent