This past week, as part of my preparations for Advent, I re-watched a movie that came out a few years ago called The Star. In a way that is strangely accurate for a Hollywood movie, it tells the story of the first coming of Christ. The movie begins with the Annunciation by the Angel Gabriel to Mary, when she receives the news that she will be the Virgin Mother of the Christ child. It presents how difficult it was for Mary and Joseph to understand the task that had been entrusted to them to be mother and guardian of the Messiah and the extremely difficult circumstances that they undergo as the Christ child is born. As Mary and Joseph are forced to leave their home of Nazareth and go to Bethlehem to register for the census that has been called for by Caesar Augustus, we see that even for the Holy Family, life at times was very difficult. The movie also presents the story of the three Magi and the jealousy that King Herod had when he heard that a new king was to be born in his territory. He sent out soldiers to destroy the child and prevent him from reigning within his kingdom. The movie tells of the many shepherds and animals that are led to the simple birth place of the Messiah by a great star that lights up the skies and a heavenly choir. Continue reading →