Story
A young Mary (Fiona Palomo) doesn’t want to marry a stranger and become a wife and mother, defined by a life of housework and chores. She dreams of becoming a teacher and marrying for true love. She feels that she has a purpose in life, something that goes beyond being the bride of a man that her father has chosen for her. But Mary is also obedient and agrees to marry Joseph (Milo Manheim), who has doubts about the marriage too.
When the angel Gabriel (Lecrae) appears to Mary and tells her that she has a higher purpose, that she’ll give birth to the son of God and cower before no man, she shares this vision with her family. They’re frightened and astonished, but they ultimately believe her. Despite her father’s admonitions not to share this news with anyone, Mary goes to Joseph and tells him what has happened. Joseph’s doubts grow, and his parents decide that they should terminate the wedding contract.
Mary is sent to live with relatives, while 3 kings from far away journey to Judea, following the star that will guide them to the ‘Promised One’. They go to King Herod (Antonio Banderas) and use his library to search for the ancient prophecies that will help them find Mary, while King Herod hatches his own plan to save his throne and eliminate any threat from a new king.
Meanwhile, as Joseph wrestles with his conscience, he gets a visit from an angel who tells him he must go to Mary, that she needs his help and that he too has an important role to play. Arriving just in time to save Mary from King Herod’s son, Joseph marries Mary. Believing themselves to be safe, Joseph and Mary set off for Nazareth.
As the time of the birth grows near, a Roman census taker demands that Joseph and a heavily pregnant Mary return to Bethlehem to be counted, but this is actually a ploy to locate Mary. Avoiding the soldiers who want to to kill Mary and baby Jesus, Joseph leads Mary through a back tunnel to the city. Unable to find lodgings, he prepares space in a barn where the baby will be born.
As foretold, the 3 kings come to bestow their blessings and gifts and the son of King Herod follows them with his soldiers. Mary speaks to Herod’s son, convincing him that he has a choice and reminding him that he isn’t his father. In a miraculous turn of events, Mary and Joseph are given the soldiers’ protection, although they must leave immediately for a land that isn’t under King Herod’s control.
The journey to Bethlehem ends here, although the journey of Jesus has only just begun.
Themes
Immaculate conception; greed and the desire for power at all costs; having faith to achieve the impossible; trust in God; soldiers hunting a mother with the intention of killing her child
Violence
Journey to Bethlehem has some violence. For example:
- People in an angry mob throw things at King Herod. The King motions for his guards to arrest a man. The man is restrained, imprisoned and taken for execution.
- King Herod mentions that he’ll kill his son.
- King Herod takes a large knife and threatens a prisoner.
- Joseph fights with his conscience over Mary’s fate and the role he’ll play. He also flips, kicks and punches himself.
- King Herod instructs his son to kill every pregnant woman and baby. His son offers another way. He convinces his father to carry out a census and find Mary that way. King Herod agrees but cautions his son that if he can’t find Mary, he must ‘kill them all’.
- A boy tosses over a chair and throws things around.
- King Herod’s son has blood on his hands and asks if he’s a monster or simply the son of one.
- A soldier asks, ‘Do we seize them or end them now?’ The soldier takes out a knife, and Joseph begs for Mary’s life.
Sexual references
Journey to Bethlehem has some sexual references. For example:
- Mary is described as a poor and simple virgin.
- Joseph says that Mary brought her condition upon herself with her desire.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Journey to Bethlehem shows some use of substances. For example, the Magi (the 3 kings) drink wine.
Nudity and sexual activity
Journey to Bethlehem has sexual activity. For example, Mary and Joseph share a kiss.
Product placement
There’s no product placement in Journey to Bethlehem.
Coarse language
There’s some coarse language in Journey to Bethlehem – for example, ‘Stop being such an ass’.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Journey to Bethlehem is a musical retelling of the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Much of the music is beautifully done, and the roles are well cast. The movie offers a slightly different perspective on a very familiar tale.
Many families will be able to watch Journey to Bethlehem together, but its mild violence and themes mean that it isn’t suitable for children under 6 years. We also recommend parental guidance for children aged 6-9 years.
These are the main messages from Journey to Bethlehem:
- Sometimes there are bigger plans for us than we can imagine.
- Anything is possible when you believe in something bigger than yourself.
Values in Journey to Bethlehem that you could reinforce with your children include faith, patience, love, loyalty and courage.
Journey to Bethlehem could also give you the chance to talk with your children about believing in themselves and having faith in what they know to be true.