An enchanting and delightful Christmas musical. The production boasts high-quality elements such as music, sets, costumes, and acting. The performances of the actors portraying Mary and Joseph are exceptional, showcasing their remarkable singing talents, while the musical numbers are executed with exquisite choreography.
Journey to Bethlehem is a whimsical, lighthearted musical based on the Nativity story. After becoming betrothed to Joseph, Mary is visited by an angel who tells her that she will give birth to the Son of God; meanwhile three magi from the East travel to Judea after witnessing an astrological sign that a new king will be born. Several liberties are takes with the biblical account, such as making Mary a more proactive character and an exploration of the relationship between Pilot and his son. And there are some tonal problems; as bits of comedy are inserted that are rather jarring and don’t fit with the overall dramatic tone. Still, the musical numbers are energetic and fun, and feature some impressive choreography. Presenting a bold new vision of the greatest story ever told, Journey to Bethlehem is an entertaining and uplifting film.
For a retelling of the story. It's alright. It's decently accurate but misses so many key moments in the history of Christ's birth. Not saying it has to be a perfect retelling but at least hit the key narratives of Christ's birth. Acting is good, nothing spectacular. Nothing really stands out in this film as higher than a 6/10. Oh, the birth of Jesus was great though. The ending is definitely worth the watch. God bless everyone!
Now, time for the list of things wrong/ignored from Scripture. Ignore if you want but I hope you'd like to have a small learning sesh.
Nothing suggests Joseph would flirt with girls while he was betrothed to Mary. It really just makes Joseph look unnecessarily bad when he was always loyal to Mary. Matthew 1:19
[19] Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly.
It ignores Mary's openess to becoming a mother for more drama. Luke 1:38
[38] Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Joseph never told anyone of Mary's pregnancy when he believed she cheated on him. No one knew. Matthew 1:19
[19] Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly.
It ignores when John the Baptist jumped in the womb upon Mary's arrival causing Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaiming that Mary is blessed among women. Luke 1:42-45
[42] “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. [43] Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [44] As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. [45] Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”
And it ignores Mary praising God for her immaculate conception again. Luke 1:46-49
[46] Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! [47] In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. [48] He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored [49] because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. "
No soldiers went to Elizabeth's house. And Joseph was never at Elizabeth's house. It's unnecessary drama.
They certainly never got married at Elizabeth's house. But the song they sang was pretty good.
Herod didn't search for Jesus till after His birth. He waited for the Magi to send a message back but realized he was fooled and that they weren't going to. Joseph was told in a dream to head to Egypt with Mary and Jesus till King Herod died. When they left, King Herod sent to kill every 2 year old or less in Bethlehem and surrounding areas. Which fulfilled the prophesy in Jeremiah 31:15
[15] The LORD proclaims: A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and wailing. It’s Rachel crying for her children; she refuses to be consoled, because her children are no more."
King Herod's son has no history in the story (a very significantly small part after Herod's death) but his change to Christ is really good despite the inaccuracy. Also, Herod's son never turned to Christ in the Gospels. Joseph feared his ruling when they returned from Egypt.
Like I said on 8 and 9, Joseph only knew of Herod's future murders because he was foretold in a dream the night Jesus was born. They escaped to Egypt before the searches and killings. They had no safe passage by Herod's son or his troops.
I want to reiterate 8 and 9 because it was so important. King Herod killed as many children as possible to find Jesus, it wasn't a completely happy and Holy birth of Christ, there were terrible events that occured. They were in Egypt till King Herod died. Herod's son took his place as king. When Joseph and his family returned from Egypt, he feared Herod's son, having been warned in a dream, so they went to Nazareth. Which fulfilled the prophesy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2:22-23
[22] But when he heard that Archelaus ruled over Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee. [23] He settled in a city called Nazareth so that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene.
I’m not religious in anyway but despite that I thought this was ok. Some of the music scenes were decent but it’s kinda forgettable.
I'm a Christian and I like Christian movies. but this movie misses the mark for me except the part of the birth of Jesus.
Sorry, didn't work for me. Too lighthearted and madcap fun for a serious topic for me. My wife liked it and the couple we went with liked it. The actors were attractive and likable... so if this is your cup of tea it will be enjoyable for you.
They dragged me to this. But I get to pick the movie next time.
Shout by AlexVIP BlockedParent2023-11-13T15:22:51Z
Amazing movie. The scene where Jesus was born made me cry because it was so powerful and beautiful. It’s one of my favorite retellings of His birth.