‘Journey to Bethlehem’ Shares Important Message this Christmas

Hopelanders erupted into applause as the credits rolled at last night’s screening of live-action pop musical Journey to Bethlehem.

The Christmas story has been brought to the big screen by Sony, weaving classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith and a little bit of creative license. Journey to Bethlehem stars Antonio Banderas, Milo Manheim and Fiona Palomo and introduces audiences to new pop songs as it retells the greatest story ever told – the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus.

A wide range of people enjoyed the night – with extended families coming together, from young children to parents and grandparents.

“It’s definitely evangelistic in nature,” Ally said. “It’s really accessible for people to bring their family and friends along.”

For Brendan, one particular scene stood out. “There’s a line where Mary says to Joseph, “I’m not the only one called to this,”” Brendan says.

“It was a moment to realise that we’ve all got a choice in this life to respond to Jesus. But then we also have the choice to live in faith to that response. I think that’s always the challenge.”

Ally agrees and says that seeing the characters fleshed out made her think about Mary and Joseph in a different light. “Mary and Joseph were two young kids, scared about the weight of what they were carrying,” she said. “There’s a beautiful song, with the line, “how could I be carrying your Son when I need You to be carrying me?””

Hope 103.2 is proudly supported by

“It’s a cliche but God equips those He calls. Sometimes we don’t have the entire story in front of us, but God will equip us.”

Journey to Bethlehem encourages us to choose to live a life of faith and obedience, trusting that God will equip us to do what He has called us to do.

Perhaps Mary’s cousin Elizabeth expresses it best when she says,

“Patience is a good companion for faith.”

Something for us all to remember this Christmas.

Listen to the full review on ‘The Ally & Brendan Podcast’ in the player above.

Journey to Bethlehem is in cinemas November 30.