Stress or Celebration?

Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 2:16
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Stress or celebration?

On Sunday afternoon, I went with Sara, Eli, and Ella Cate to see the movie Journey to Bethlehem. The movie is a musical, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a fresh retelling of the birth of Jesus. Yes, they took some creative liberties, but what I carried away from the movie and thought about this week were two important messages.

King Herod was evil and so threatened by the thought of a new king being born, he would go to the worst measure to get rid of the baby. My heart broke for this man who, so full of pride and greed, would dive into the depths of darkness to keep his crown.

The truth is, Jesus didn’t come to rule nations or dethrone anyone. He came to rule the hearts of people. To spread love and offer hope. A hope Herod never knew.

The second was the effect Mary’s pregnancy had on her family and Joseph’s. We read of how Joseph said he would break the betrothal to Mary quietly. Even still, Mary carried baby Jesus.

I have great respect for Joseph. Not just because he stepped up and married Mary, but because of his faith in God. He trusted the One who created him and carried out His plan in obedience.

When faced with a difficult circumstance or conflict, what do I do? React like Herod and lash out? Or pray like Joseph and obey God?

As I consider the celebration of Christmas and the stress placed on us to have everything perfect, I remember Mary and Joseph and their not so perfect circumstances and know God doesn’t expect me to have a flawless holiday. He only wants me to be obedient and have faith like Joseph and Mary and share the love of Jesus.

How about you? Will Jesus’ love shine through your Christmas celebration?

Movies Parallel Truth

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” Jesus in John 16:12-15

I love a good movie. So far this holiday season I've watched two; Frozen 2 and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Frozen 2 is a fictional story about two sisters who want to save their kingdom. As Elsa seeks to solve the problem in the movie (no spoilers here) she's encouraged to listen for nature's voice in order to do the right thing.

Lloyd Vogel, a journalist, struggles in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with angst against his father. Mister Rogers, a children's show star and minister, shares love and encouragement with Lloyd. In his own fashion, Mister Rogers teaches Lloyd about listening for truth and making the right choice. If you know Mister Rogers' story at all, you know he was a kind man who loved people and encouraged children to recognize and understand their feelings. He also loved God, prayed and read the Bible.

As I watched both movies, I couldn't help but find parallels with some biblical truths. Living life as followers of Jesus, we strive to pay attention to the Spirit's lead and share Jesus' love and kindness with the world. We're called to hear, not nature's spirit but, the Holy Spirit. He carries our prayers to God, connects us to Jesus, and gives us encouragement and advice. By listening to the Spirit, we can make a prayerful, spiritually informed decision to do the right thing. By loving people in the kind, gentle way of Mr. Rogers, we show the world the love and grace of Jesus. Both movies reminded me of God's truth, to love Him and love people.

As you go along this holiday season and interact with others, seek the Spirit's guidance and pour God's love over the folks who cross your path.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Young Adult Fiction: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Book & Movie)

Book Description:

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. 

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. 

My Thoughts:

My granddaughter and two of my daughter's have been encouraging me to read and watch Wonder. I finally got to watch the movie, then immediately wanted to read the book. I loved both! Yes the book is a little better. But I have to say the movie is fantastic. This story should be required reading for every middle schooler and their parents.

Some of the things I loved about this story:

• The author promotes kindness
• Auggie's parents love him and his sister unconditionally 
• Auggie's parents take the responsibility they are given and make the best situation possible for their family 
• The fifth graders are portrayed realistically, quirks and all 
• Anyone running a school could take some cues from Mr. Tushman 
• The various points of view add depth to the book 
• This book/movie has no hidden agenda...just be kind

If you are like me and haven't gotten around to reading this wonder-filled book or seeing this inspirational movie, go for it. I wish I hadn't waited so long. Yet, I'm glad I can bring attention to it, now.

Thank you Dilly, Sara, and Hannah for sharing this story with me.

Have Courage and Be Kind

Any little girl who dreams of being a princess knows the story of Cinderella. A lovely young lady who lived a golden childhood is cast into the unexpected role of servant to some cold-hearted people. Fortunately for her, her mother presented her with a piece of wisdom that would carry her through life. "Have courage and be kind."

Some of my favorite princesses joined me at the theater to see the new Cinderella movie. All girls, 8-108 will fall in love with this magical story once again. The detail is amazing, the setting perfect, the costumes gorgeous, and the characters delightful. Lily James sweetness shined through Ella's misfortune. Cate Blanchett played the evil step-mother to a tee. Holliday Grainger and Sophia McShera's rendition of the step-sisters left me laughing out loud. And the prince, Richard Madden, was certainly charming. Disney did a fantastic job bringing this timeless tale to life.

After the movie, my daughter's were talking about there favorite Disney princesses. I had to admit I'd not really picked a favorite. I like Snow White, but I believe after seeing Cinderella defy the odds with courage and kindness, I've found a new favorite princess. I'll be buying this one.

Who is your favorite princess?