Journey to Bethlehem Movie Review

Journey to Bethlehem Movie Review

Journey to Bethlehem - where do I start? I love inspirational movies, especially faith films that are Scripturally based.  I love sharing about great movies that inspire movie watchers to dig more into the Christian faith.  We usually buy the overpriced movie tickets, and then we buy the DVD versions when they are released.  We can show Hollywood that we want more faith based films by supporting the films financially.  Sadly, Journey to Bethlehem was disappointing.  Before I tell you what I didn't like about the movie, I'll tell you the three things I did like.

For those of you who are not familiar with Journey to Bethlehem, here is the official movie trailer.

Journey to Bethlehem - What I Liked About the Movie

1.  The movie creators did stick to Scripture when it came to identifying who Jesus is.  He is Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior.  They did not deviate from this truth.

2.  I liked two songs. 

Mother to a Savior and King

The Nativity Song

Mary's part at the end of The Nativity Song is beautiful so listen all the way to the end.

3.  I like the message of trusting God with our future, especially when things don't go as we planned.  God's plans for our lives are much greater than our own.  The blessings in store for us are much sweeter than we can think or imagine.  We just need to trust God.

That's about all I liked about the movie.

What I Did Not Like About Journey to Bethlehem

1.  The film is a musical comedy.  I don't particularly enjoy musicals, but that wasn't the problem.  My problem is the misplaced comedy.  I love a good comedy when it's appropriate, but the comedy in Journey to Bethlehem was not appropriate for this kind of movie.  The wise men who followed the star to find Jesus were scholars.  They were some of the most intelligent scientists of their day.  They were not ridiculous goofs.  To be fair, we don't know much about their personalities.  Maybe they all had a good sense of humor, but in this film, they were portrayed as big ole goofs.  

2.  The Angel Gabriel was also portrayed as a bit of a goof.  When Gabriel descended into Mary room, he was portrayed as insecure.  The film creators had him pacing back and forth, reciting his sentences as if he wasn't sure what he should say.  Then, he clumsily bumps his head on a rafter beam.  The Angel Gabriel is an archangel, a messenger of God.  He isn't an insecure goof who doesn't know what he is supposed to say.  This moment was a holy moment in history.  This scene should have remained true to Scripture.  

3.  The film makers omitted Mary's response from Luke 1:38 when she tells Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant.  May your word to me be fulfilled."  Her obedient response speaks to her mature character as we know her in the Bible.  Before Gabriel leaves Mary, he tells her to cower to no one.  That is not in the Bible.  Why put it in the movie?

4.  Biblical Jospeh was a carpenter.  Journey to Bethlehem Joseph was an inventor.  Why change this?

5.  I believe Mary's and Joseph's personalities might have been misrepresented in the movie.  The Bible teaches us that Mary was highly favored by God.  Although we don't know much about Mary or Joseph before Gabriel appeared to Mary, I doubt they were the typical rebellious type teens of today.  Back then, there was no extension of childhood.  There was no "teenager."  You were a child, and then you were an adult and expected to act like one.  Based on what we know about human development today, particularly development of the brain, I'm sure they had youthful personalities, but probably not like what is portrayed in Journey to Bethlehem.  They were not perfect and Mary is not to be worshiped, but they were highly favored for a reason.  I know God used people of "colorful" character throughout the old testament and Mary and Joseph certainly were not perfect young people, but they are set apart because they were chosen to parent God's Son on Earth.  This was not just a half-calling, but an extremely important one that would require maturity.  This point is based on my personal opinion.  I know many will not necessarily agree with me and everyone is free to form their own opinions.  I just feel like they got this part wrong.

6.  King Herod tells his son to kill all pregnant women, but his son talks Herod out of that order.  If you are familiar with Scripture, you know that King Herod ordered all babies aged 2 and younger to be killed and that order was carried out.  It's horrific, but it happened.  This is an example of a Biblical historic account being completely changed.  Why change it?  They didn't have to show it, but to change it completely is in direct violation of Scripture itself.  The Bible tells us:

Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV)

7.  In Journey to Bethlehem, King Herod's son leads a search to find the unwed pregnant mother.  His father, King Herod, wanted her dead.  This is not what we are told in the Bible.  The Biblical account of this historical event tells us that King Herod ordered the wise men to find the baby and then report back to him so that he could worship Him too.  We know that Herod's plan was ultimately to kill baby Jesus.  In Journey to Bethlehem, King Herod's son conducts a search for Mary.  He and his army find them in the barn just after Jesus is born.  This is not an accurate account of this holy night.  Why put this in the movie?  Then, when Mary, Joseph, and the wise men who were also there think King Herod's son is going to kill them all, Joseph, although he begs the king's son not to hurt them, is portrayed as weak, in my opinion.  Mary, who remembers Gabriel telling her to cower to no one stands up to King Herod's son.  Again, this scene is not true to Scripture.  In the scene, there were four men in the barn with Mary and baby Jesus.  Yet it was Mary who had just given birth who stood up to King Herod's son.  In those days, it would have been Joseph who stood up like a man to protect his wife and baby.  However, this particular event did not really happen anyway.  Why change it?  This was completely unnecessary.

Final Thoughts

I am thankful that the Christian movie industry has picked up in popularity in recent years.  I am happy that more and more people are going to theaters to see Christian films that will point them in the direction of the Bible and Jesus.  I know that film makers take certain creative licenses in order to fill in gaps and to make a story complete.  In some cases, these creative licenses make the move more entertaining.  That is all fine and good as long as said creative licenses do not change the original author's story.  For example, let's say a film is covering the part of the Bible where Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.  They made this journey every year.  When Jesus was 12 years old, his family left to return home with their family and friends as they did every year after the feast was over.  They did not realize until they had traveled an entire day that Jesus was not with them.  Joseph and Mary looked for Jesus among their relatives and friends, but they couldn't find him.  They found Jesus three days later in the temple.  We don't know what Joseph and Mary did or how they felt from the time they realized Jesus was missing to the moment they found him in the temple three days later.  A film maker might take certain creative licenses to fill in that three day gap.  This is acceptable as long as Joseph's and Mary's characters are not compromised and the creative licenses do not change the story at all.  

In the case of Journey to Bethlehem, the creative licenses added to and took away from the historical account as recorded in Scripture which was written by men but inspired by God.  There is no need to change the story.

When a movie is kept true to Scripture and it leads people to read the Bible or visit a church, they aren't going to question the accuracy of the historical accounts as recorded in the Bible because the movie and the church teachings are the same.  However, when a film deviates from Scripture as much as Journey to Bethlehem did, people might question the accuracy of the Bible once they realize the movie is very different from what is taught in the Bible and in churches.  What will they believe, especially if they are totally unfamiliar with Scripture or the Christian faith?  Deviating from Scripture creates confusion in the minds of those who are not familiar with Scripture.  We don't want to confuse people.  We want to lead them in the direction of truth, always TRUTH.  We never want anyone to think that parts of Scripture might not be true.  We never want to lead anyone to question the authority of the Bible.

A lot of people will enjoy the film which is more like a broadway production than a drama based on Scripture.  It isn't the worst movie in the world, but personally, this is not a movie I particularly enjoyed or one that I would recommend.  I like humor.  I love comic relief in a film when it is done correctly.  I detest dumb humor no matter the movie, but I especially hated it in Journey to Bethlehem.  What bothers me more than anything is so many Scriptural inaccuracies.  Way too much of this story was changed and that is not OK.

I saw the film with a group of people.  There were things about the movie we all agreed was not great, but I probably disliked the movie more than everybody else.  If you really want to go see it, then go see it and form your own opinion so you can decide whether or not you want your kids to see it, but I do not recommend this film due to way too many "creative licenses" that are not accurate.   

Journey to Bethlehem is entertaining, but if you want to take your family to a movie about the birth of Jesus that stays true to Scripture, Journey to Bethlehem is not that movie.   

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Journey to Bethlehem Movie Review

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Overcomer

Overcomer

Overcomer Movie Review

I have waited for Overcomer to hit the theaters for a LONG time.  I am a huge fan of all the Kendrick Brothers' films; in association with Affirm Films, Sherwood Pictures, and Provident Films.  All of the films by the Kendrick Brothers are truly good, quality films.  The first ones were made on a lower budget but the story lines are real.  Each movie deals with real life situations that we all face from time to time.  Each one doesn't hold back the consequences of living a life without Jesus as Lord over it.  I was a fan from the first movie, from day 1, and I'm so happy that these guys and gals have continued to hone in on their gifts and talents as actors, screenwriters, producers, and all things movies, especially faith based films.  I believe God is using them in mighty ways.  Getting these movies in front of audiences takes a huge amount of work and dedication, not just from those directly involved in the movies, but also their families.  I am thankful for their obedience to this calling.  

Introducing Overcomer

John Harrison is the coach of a highschool basketball team with a dream of making it to next season's championship game.  Then, the town's largest manufacturing plant decides to move.  Hundreds of families move away, taking a huge chunk of the basketball team's players with them.  The school not only loses many of its students, but also several teachers including a few coaches.  Coach Harrison is asked to coach the school's Cross Country team.  This "team" only has one player, a girl with asthma.  Her name is Hannah Scott and she has a lot more to overcome than just asthma.

Hannah's parents have both passed away.  She's being raised by her grandmother who is away from home most of the time because she works two jobs to make ends meet.  Hannah must deal with some of her own life choices.  She could continue down the path she is going, continuing to make choices that lead to destruction or she could allow herself to be positively influenced by her high school cross country coach and her principal who is an old friend of her mother's.

Cross Country proves to be a vessel of life lessons for both Hannah and Coach John Harrison. 

Overcomer is about finding our identity in Christ.  While watching the movie, one particular scene struck me as particularly powerful.  While Coach Harrison and his pastor are visiting a church member in the hospital, Harrison stumbles into the room of another patient, Thomas.  The meeting is a bit awkward at first, but Harrison tells Thomas he will pray for him and then goes on his way with his pastor.  Later on, Harrison revisits Thomas.  The two form an unlikely bond.  During one of Harrison's visits, Thomas asked Harrision, "Who are you?"

Harrison's first response is, "I'm a coach."

Thomas then asked, "If you take that away, who are you?"

Harrison's next response is, "I'm a history teacher."

Thomas presses on, "If you take that away, who are you?"

Harrison continues to respond as he narrows down his identity, "I'm a husband and father."

Finally, when there seems to be nothing left, he says, "Well . . . I'm a Christian."

Thomas' next question is the gut-puncher, "Why was that so far down your list?"

If I had been watching this movie at home, I would have clicked the pause button because that question forced me to ask myself, "If someone asks me, out of the blue and without warning, 'Who are you?' what would I have said?"

How far down the list would I have gone before saying, "I'm a Christian?"

Then, I asked myself another question, "Is my identity in Christ evident to others without them having to ask?"

Thomas wisely tells Coach Harrison and it's a statement we should all take to heart, "Your identity will be whatever you tie your heart to."

What do you tie your heart to?  In whom or in what do you find your identity?

Do you find your identity in Christ?  If you are a born-again Christian, you should find your identity in Jesus.  If you are not a born-again Christian, here is how you can become one.

Back to the movie, as Coach Harrison is discovering who he is in Christ, so is Hannah.  In order to avoid any spoilers, you'll have to watch the movie to see how her life is transformed, but I can assure you that you will enjoy watching the lives of Hannah and Coach Harrison transform from the beginning to the end of this movie.  There are several other things I wish I could write about here but I don't want to spoil it for you.

If you are a Cross Country runner, don't shy away from this film.  You'll love it.  My daughter is a former Cross Country runner and she said this movie is her favorite Kendrick Brothers' film yet.

Overcomer is now showing in select theaters.  Watch the Overcomer official movie trailer below.  Then, go see it at the theater!  We need to support films like this one so we can show filmmakers that we want more good stuff with wholesome real life content as opposed to the trash they keep spitting out of Hollywood.

OK, watch the trailer, buy your ticket, and go see it!

 

Want to know what others are saying?  Find out what ministry leaders are saying here.

If I'm asked to pick a favorite of all the Kendrick Brothers' films, it would be next to impossible.  The later films are better quality due to higher budgets, but every single film has its own appeal.  I love them all.

If you are just learning about these films, you'll want to check out all the Kendrick Brothers' previous movies.  Notice the theme of each film.

Flywheel - living a life of integrity.
Facing the Giants - trusting God through life's hardest trials.
Fireproof - building your marriage on a foundation of faith, staying married, - never leave your partner in a "fire."
Courageous - fatherhood the way God intended it.
War Room - the power of prayer.
Overcomer - finding your identity in Christ.

Flywheel

Watch the Flywheel official movie trailer here.

Facing the Giants

Watch the Facing the Giants official movie trailer here.

Fireproof 

Watch the Fireproof official movie trailer here.

Courageous

Watch the Courageous official movie trailer here.

War Room

Watch the War Room official movie trailer here.

and now, Overcomer!

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Overcomer Movie Review

Images Used by Permission via Fireproof Press Release

Christian Marriage: What Romance Looks Like

“You never, ever leave your partner, especially in a fire.” ~ Caleb Holt, Fireproof

That is one of the first lines in one of the first scenes from the movie, Fireproof.  Kirk Cameron’s character, Caleb Holt, was referring to a standard rule in a fire fight, but his passion for this rule proves powerful in marriage as well.  The rest of the film builds on this truth.

Marriage is hard even in the best of circumstances.  Even the strongest Christian marriages are not immune from destructive influences.  In fact, Godly homes are a threat to the devil, so he will most certainly try to destroy them.  In the movie, Caleb and Catherine Holt are ready to end a marriage destroyed by internet pornography, materialistic selfishness, and temptations of adultery.  Catherine wants out of the marriage and that is fine with Caleb

Caleb’s own parents have endured their own marital problems, but one of them came to know Jesus and God led the couple through something called the Love Dare.  Through the Love Dare, couples learn to nurture their marriages by honoring God first and then loving one another selflessly.  Caleb learns about the Love Dare and then, half-heartedly at first, begins his 40 Day journey.

As a fire-fighter, Caleb knows the life-saving value of sticking with your partner in a fire fight.  He knows this rule is vital for survival and if abandoned, can result in the death of the abandoned fire-fighter, permanently ending the partnership.  Caleb learns to apply this truth to his failing marriage and he is resolved to “never leave his partner, especially in the middle of the fire.”

I don’t want to give away too much for those who have not seen it, but when I was asked to participate in a collaborative post effort about Biblical marriage and what romance really looks like, I could not think of a better example than the one given in the movie Fireproof.

When we think of romance, we tend to think like teenagers.  We associate romance with flowers, candy, and surprise date nights.  Those things are wonderful and as a wife of almost 24 years, I love those things but I’ve also learned that romance is much more than that.

Honestly, sometimes romance within the boundaries of Biblical marriage is nothing like that at all.

Romance within a Biblical marriage sometimes means doing the hard thing.  It means we realize that love is not just a feeling, but also a commitment.

So to answer the question, what does romance look like in the context of a Biblical marriage?

It is a decision to remain committed through better or worse.  It is a decision to love intentionally, unconditionally, and selflessly, like Christ loves His church.  It is a decision to show that love even when it is hard.  It is a commitment.  It is a covenant before God to be protected and honored, not a contract to be broken simply because life together gets tough.   It is a resolution to never, ever leave your partner, especially in the middle of the fire-fight. When married couples learn to love in this way, the candy, flowers, and surprise gifts and date nights are more fun and meaningful than ever before. - The Love Dare

I know that sometimes, in spite of all their efforts, some couples choose to end their marriages.  Sometimes couples have Biblical grounds to do so, but sometimes they just give up because their idea of romance is out of touch with reality, leaving them hopelessly disappointed.  If you have not watched Fireproof or have not been introduced to the Love Dare, then I encourage you to view the following official trailer and clip, then see the film and go through the materials offered after the videos.  The truths presented about marriage and romance will change your marriage and your life.  I promise.

Enjoy the official move trailer: 

How do we show love to someone over and over and over again who constantly rejects us? We have a good example.

Bible Verses Concerning Marriage 

Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman, ‘ for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. ~ Genesis 2:22-24 

Haven’t you read,”that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ ? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” ~ Matthew 19:4-6 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.- 1 Peter 4:8 

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12 (The third cord represents God.) 

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? ~ 2 Corinthians 6:14

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What Does a Quiet Time Look Like?