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Dear Beloveds, This past Monday night, I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive premier screening of the new movie, Mary, which tells the story of the mother of Jesus. I had no idea it would be the event it turned out to be, but it was the full Hollywood experience, with a real red carpet, paparazzi, a cocktail reception, and all the trimmings! The movie stars Anthony Hopkins as King Herod, and two young Israeli newcomer actors who portrayed Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. This film tells the story of the birth of Jesus through the lens of Mary, a young teenager. I must say, I am usually skeptical about Hollywood’s religious narratives, even though I grew up with Charlton Heston’s Ten Commandments and Ben Hur as two of my favorites. I have always felt that there is so much embellishment in these movies that true Biblical accuracy suffers. The most recent series, The Chosen has proven to be a wonderful telling of the story of Jesus, but I still approach most productions with a healthy amount of wariness and skepticism. Mary did not disappoint. Although it was steeped at times with the usual Hollywood embellishments and flair, this amazing film offers a beautiful window into the profound and mysterious role of Mary and how Jesus came into our world. The movie took some grand liberties at times, but it gave me an invitation to take a moment to reflect on Mary’s incredible experience. This was a young woman who answered an amazing call to serve in a place where she could have easily been outcast and ostracized for listening to God’s voice in her life. It also made me realize what a great man Joseph was to stand by her, unwavering in his own conviction and faith. I found it especially poignant to watch this movie in the beginning of our Advent season this year, and have a new-found respect for Mary and all that she went through as a young woman in the ancient Middle East. The fact remains that Mary, as so many others involved in this story, had enough faith to bring this miracle to fruition. I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to be reminded of Jesus in this way; I can’t say that it was a life-changing experience, but I came away deeply moved and affected by what I saw that night. As the producer of the movie said before the screening, it is a story of love, courage, and faith, all things that we so desperately need in our world today. I encourage everyone to take a couple hours out of your Advent season and see this movie. It comes out on Netflix today! Even the greatest skeptic may feel a little tingle of faith in their toes. As we pass through this season, I invite you all to make room in your hearts for Jesus and this great mystery of love—not just as an event that occurred in history, but something that is real for us today. How can we bear witness to Jesus in our lives this season? With great love for you, Pastor Grace
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