The Nativity

Spent my birthday tonight with two of my children. We went to Appleby's for supper and then we went to see the movie "The Nativity." I was very moved by it. Here I am preparing sermons on two of the Advent texts, one last week and one for this week, involving Mary's meeting with the angel and her subsequent time spent with Elizabeth. I found the characters well portrayed and believable. I thought the scenary was realistic, since I've been to the holy land and recognize the arid nature of the land. Overall I would say it was well worth the price of admission and recommend it.

I found myself in tears on several occasions. When Mary kneels before the angel and says "Let it be as you have spoken," I was moved. I find that sort of devotion to be compelling and it always strikes my soul. I've always wondered, as I will talk about Sunday, what it would have been like if Mary had refused? I even muse that Mary might not have been God's first choice. What if God went down a list and Mary was 23rd, but she was the first to say "YES?" What if Elizabeth said "OK. God, I like where you're going with this, but I don't want my son to play such a dangerous role. How about you give him a bit part in this deal. Let him.... well just let him be the voice calling out in the wilderness, that ought to be safe, right?"

Anyway, see the movie.

God bless
David