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Opening with the words prophecied by Isaiah, “For unto us a Son is given…” the narative of this presentation is largley taken from the bible. With a certain amount of artistic licence, both Mary, and Joseph recieve visits from an angel. Will they realize the weight and importance of the child who is to be born.
A decree to be registered for taxes, sends the pair on their way to their tribal homeland. With the rush on the small town of Bethlehem, only a stable can be found to spend the night. The strain of the 75 mile journey has taken a toll, and Mary expects her baby tonight.
Elsewhere, shepherds watch their flocks on the silent night. Suddenly, angels announce the birth of the Messiah, the savior of the world. What else can they do? The shepherds rush to Bethlehem to see the baby for themselves.
But wait… there’s more. Traveling wisemen are guided by a star, and seek directions from king Herod. Can the king be trusted? Will he see the birth as a threat to his kingdom? An angelic intervention sends the wisemen back home by a different route.First, they make their visit, and present their gifts.
A final angelic message warns Joseph of danger, and to take his family and flee to Egypt. Herod proves his treachery when he orders the mass killing of boys who are under the qage of 2. Only when it was safe, the young family return to their home in Nazareth. Hope and happiness fills the homecoming, and yet more prophecy is fulfilled. How will Jesus life end up? Only in fulfilling the purpose that God had for him.
Bonus Tracks:
Dennis Day, the title track from his album: Christmas is for the Family. Includes a guest appearance by Jack Benny.
Dennis Day – Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful, Noel, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Jack Benny returns for a parting word.
Trivia: A typical presentation of the Christmas story, like this one, seems to put all the players n the story at the scene of the manger all at once. From the account in Luke chapter 2, we know the shepherds indeed make their appearance at that time. However, the wisemen, as mentioned in Matthew’s account happened at a later time.
Why is this so?
The account in Matthew states they found the baby in a house. Joseph and Mary had time to move on from the manger scene. Also, Herod wanted to kill boys who were age 2 and under. It could have been very likely it took the wisemen that long to travel after the star, and he wanted to make sure he covered his bases in wiping out his potential rival.
Were there 3 wisemen? It doesn’t say, and it doesn’t name them. Only that 3 gifts were given, the rest is based in tradition.
