The Nativity Story

by Peter F. Whyte, 30 Nov 2006 revised 20 Dec 2006

The Nativity Story was released in the UK on 8 December. Will it be worth seeing? Or will it be yet another Hollywood disappointment? Having seen it, I can thoroughly recommend it. The early reports and reviews listed below are an accurate guide to the film.

First reports are encouraging. Albert Mohler’s immediate reaction after seeing a media screening was, “in season and on message.” Read his review for the full story.

Ted Baehr said, “Hollywood is finally putting Jesus Christ back into Christmas.” It also received praise from Billy Graham’s daughter, Anne Graham Lotz.
(“‘The Nativity Story’ Named Best Jesus Movie Since 1890s”, by Gretta Curtis, in Christianity Today, November 17, 2006)

It’s the first movie to premier at The Vatican, but the city of Chicago isn’t allowing it to be shown at the city’s traditional German Christkindlmarket!
(“The Nativity Story to Premiere at the Vatican”, by Anne Thomas, in Christianity Today, November 13, 2006; and “The Nativity Story Turned Down at US Festival”, by Kevin Donovan, in Christianity Today, November 29, 2006)

Rick Phillips has a thoughtful and positive review on the reformation21 blog. I can wholeheartedly agree with him. Sadly the theatre was virually empty when we went to see the film, with just about 18 watching. It’s still showing in Northern Ireland, so there’s a little more time to see it before Christmas.

You can see previews and read more from the makers at the film’s official Web site.

Look’s like one to watch.