#Light of the World: The Christ Child

 

I have seen a hundred versions of the nativity in my life.  None have come close to impacting me the way this The Christ Child video has.  I think I have watched it 100 times, trying to absorb it as much as I can.  The acting, the music, and the unusual authentic feel to it make it so relatable that I find myself being drawn in emotionally and spiritually. 

There are a number of production elements that I find inspiring by the director and producer.  One is the fact that there are so few words, in fact when they do speak it is in Aramaic, an almost forgotten language that adds so much depth and meaning to the story.  To me, this is a story of quiet sober profundity.  It is impossible not to think if you were them, what thoughts would be constantly going through your head with almost every passing minute.  The knowing looks that Joseph and Mary share at the very first scene of the video is so hauntingly beautiful it literally steals my breath away.  I love that she has dirt on her face....

They know something that no one else in the world knows or every will.  The tremendous irony, is that they really don't know either....  But what is very clear, is their quiet sense of commitment to this holy and unique process of bringing the Savior of the World, into this world.  The wonderment of what would happen must of been all consuming to them at times and they must have also had enough faith to know that they were never alone as well.

And then the time comes... finally.  She wonders if she is ready.... She looks at him again for reassurance....He is there, all the way.  That is what she needed and then bore through the pain of childbirth.

 Joseph prepares a bed for the baby. He and Mary kneel together at the foot of what looks like an altar, as if offering the baby back to God.  It reminded me that the only gift he asks for is our heart.  Our offering to the altar is a broken heart and a contrite spirit -- one that reveres him enough to be willing to offer up our sins in order to know him. 

I love the looks between the shepherd girl and Mary, which were probably the same age.  The stirring testimony of the wise man that showed in his face overshadowed the incredible abundant gifts he brought. 

I love how this video made me feel and I appreciated every detail that went into it.  I hope you enjoy this as well. 

May this bring a special spirit into your heart and bear witness to you of his divinity and the reality of his life.