Film Discussion: The Nativity (Israel)

Travel Tip: Bethlehem

Travel Tip: Jerusalem

Authentic Nativity Scenario

The film is epic in scope while providing an intimate portrayal of this historical family. It is a wonderful family film which incorporates themes of hope, faith, love and commitment as well as historical insight that is both biblical and political.

No elaborate Medieval or Flemish Christmas scene; this film is as authentic a biblical scenario as one can get in the 21st century. The film diligently portrays the 2000 year old biblical setting in Palestine as accurately as possible. Watching the film after two recent trips to Israel, I was surprised to learn that it was shot in parts of Italy and Morocco. Cinematography is brilliant; costumes, props and sets were meticulously designed and chosen. Acting is superb and convincing.

Middle East Political Refugees

Seeing the film first came out in 2006, it seemed a perfect film to watch this year – on Christmas Eve 2020 when COVID has caused us to re-frame our holiday traditions. For me, to set my focus on the Reason for the Season: the First Christmas and the people in its story. It was also a good reminder of the political unrest continuing today in the Middle East – and around the world. A reminder of the realization that, in fact, this little family was experiencing first-hand the life of political refugees.

Arm Chair Travel to Israel

The Story

In the midst of utter turmoil of the cruel Roman rule of Palestine in the 1st century BC, families struggled to survive. Into this scene, God chose a young woman to bring His Son as Savior into the world. Her faith, and that of the man who would become her husband, were severely put to the test. The film is about their physical and spiritual journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, when the Baby, as prophesied, would be born.

Olive Trees

Culture

This movie is not about art, but it is filled with culture. One can witness the culture of the collectivist middle eastern society much as it was in biblical times. Jewish -and middle-eastern – traditions in general, are still carried out and can be experienced by the visitor in Israel today.

Travel on Foot

As a visitor to Israel, I was greatly impacted on how far Jesus and His disciples walked to get from place to place.

Today’s 20 minute bus ride would have been a full day’s journey for them–up and down the hilly terrain. Mary and Joseph traveled over 100 miles from their home town of Nazareth to get to Bethlehem for the Roman census. What would be a two hour bus ride for us today could easily have taken several weeks for a couple on foot with a pregnant woman riding on a donkey, up and down the hills on rough terrain.

Sea of Galilee

For the traveler to Israel today, one can easily envision the movie scenes of Mary and Joseph walking along the Sea of Galilee en-route to Bethlehem. I can imagine the long discussions they shared as they anticipated what their future together might involve.

Rough Terrain

The trek of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem also included dangerous travel on the hilly and often treacherous Palestinian countryside. Scenes of treacherous terrain as shown in the film, can be experienced in Israel today.

Old Jerusalem

Narrow, winding streets of the Old City today are much like they were when they were encountered by the tired, travel-weary couple over 2000 years ago.

The Temple Mount

King Herod the Great

King Herod the Great, effectively played by Ciaran Hinds, portrays the insanely jealous, power-hungry ruler who feared not only the Jews, but also Rome. His torturous reign produced the cruelest of times for his Jewish subjects.

Political Unrest

It is as evident today as it was during the birth of Christ. Bethlehem is not the quaint little village on a hillside as seen in the movie; it is a place where, other than for their tourist dollars, neither the Jew nor the Christian is welcome today. It is, in many ways, much as it was 2000 years ago when Mary and Joseph encountered a poor reception by Bethlehem’s hospitality service. Israel is a divided country with Bethlehem on the “other” side, so to speak.

Great Acting

Keisha Castle-Hughes (Mary) and Oscar Isaac (Joseph) are convincing in their roles as individuals and as a new couple faced with unique challenges, tests of faith, and the prospect of raising the Son of God.

Travel to Israel

For today’s visitor to Jerusalem, the scenes in the film will provide a background on how things might have looked during the time of Jesus. I recommend a visit to the scale model of Old Jerusalem during Herodian times for wonderful perspective. It is in the courtyard of the Israel Museum next to the Shrine of the Book. ( imj.org.il/en)

This film confirms my desire to encourage anyone and everyone to travel to Israel if they have the opportunity. There are groups for everyone and generally quite reasonably priced.

Travel to Israel right may be restrictive, so check on travel guidelines before you plan any in-person visit. Meanwhile, you can Arm Chair Travel by watching this film!

TRAVEL TIP: Is Bethlehem on your Wish List? Many travelers to Israel today are not able to visit this ancient city. If this is something on your “wish list,” check with your tour company for their input. Most will work with you. Evidently having the bus driver and guide of different faiths has helped get groups through the check points, we were told. (i.e. Muslim bus driver, Christian tour guide).

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