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Review and Giveaway: Journey to Bethlehem

I love good musicals so I was excited to review Journey to Bethlehem (rated PG), the new musical about Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of our promised Savior and King Jesus. The film's script writers take some creative license and fill in the unknowns such as how Mary and Joseph met and how they felt, the names and personalities of the three wise men, etc. They said they tried to remain true to the message of the greatest story ever told. While I enjoyed the movie and appreciated the quality of the film, I need to point out a few things that are definitely not Biblically accurate. First, the wise men came to the house, not the stable and presented gifts to the young Child, not the Baby (according to Matthew 2). Second, Herod the Great's son, Antipater, was not present at Christ's birth. Luke 2:8 says, "Now when Herod (Antipater) saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him." It is clear from this verse that Antipater had never met Jesus before. Third, Herod the Great sent out an order to put to death all the male children in the whole region from two years old and under after he realized he was deceived by the wise men (they did not return to him), not an order to hunt down a pregnant virgin (as shown in the film).

It's a very tough road (literally and figuratively) for Mary and Joseph to travel on for sure. The film shows their struggle with faith and their ultimate submission to God's plan for their lives. The songs are catchy. And of course, I always love classic Christmas carols. The choreography is excellent. The cinematography is gorgeous. The cast's performance is fantastic. I didn't know Joel Smallbone (For King And Country) and Lecrae could act :). The film is funny, family-friendly, faith-filled and joy-filled. It is about celebrating the Gift of Jesus given and sent by God to save the lost world. If you like musicals and look for an uplifting entertainment, check this movie out. It is now playing in theaters starting today. You can buy tickets here. Although the movie is not totally Biblically accurate, you can use it as a springboard for a conversation with your children or with unbelievers and point them to God's Word.

 
Click here for downloadable family discussion guides & downloadable coloring sheets, and here for Spanish resources.

GIVEAWAY: Enter for a chance to win 2 free tickets to see Journey to Bethlehem by leaving a comment letting me know what your favorite Christmas song is. Please also leave your full name and your email address. The winner will be randomly chosen (using random.org). The giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.
Deadline: Sunday, November 12th, at 10 pm (Pacific time).


~Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.  #JourneyToBethlehemMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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