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A dramatization that takes a lot of artistic license with the story of the birth of Jesus. Familiar characters and situations are present to be sure, but events have been mangeled in spots.
Shepherds on the hillside observe Mary and Joseph, worrying over her finding comfort for the night. Not very likely, but a good tool to provide descriptive narrative of the times.
An Innkeeper and his wife worry over having no room, and offer the stable for the night. So far, so good. Although the Innkeeper seems surprised at unusual events. I could be wrong, but I’d imagine Innkeepers were of a type who saw it all, and not much would surprise and befuddle them.
In the story though, the shepherds come to the manger due to the prophecy of one of their own. The shepherds sought out the manger because of a host of angels who appeared to them. They knew the event was miraculous and wanted to see it for themsleves, not a matter of taking one shepherds word about a baby, then figuring out who Jesus is.
The star is seen, and wondered at, but at least no wisemen appear. Even if the star appeared on this night, it would take them up to a couple years to travel from far off places in the East. In the bible account, by the time the wisemen showed up, Mary andJesus were staying in a house.
I don’t mind taking artistic license, as long as it doesn’t rewrite documented facts. The acting is excellent, the production engineers did a great job, but the writers could have did better on a promising concept.
