 Okay. Let's be honest here. How many of you have stashed something away for Christmas, as a gift for someone you love, and you forget about it? Then, when you're cleaning out your bedroom closet, or dusting up high, or looking for something that you know is stored under your bed, you find it? That's what happened to me this week. Only it wasn't a gift that had been secretly stored away. It was a beautiful DVD set that I had been sent to review, clear back in November. Oops! How could I have missed writing this in on my calendar?  Imagine my surprise when I found this as I was cleaning up the computer desk. I'll admit it - it was buried under a pile of papers and "important" documents on my desk. So important that I hadn't gone through them in obviously a few months. Uh-oh! Journey to Christmas is a fascinating “reality show meets documentary” that follows five modern explorers as they trace the story of Jesus’ birth on site in the Holy Land. Filmed in Israel, this four-episode production guides viewers on a remarkable journey through the culture, history, people, and archaeology surrounding the Nativity story. Using a reality show format, the four episodes chronicle the diverse experiences of the five travelers: an agnostic political analyst, a First Nations youth worker, a Christian singer, an artist, and a boisterous radio talk show host. They discover the history of Christmas through on-site experiences in the Holy Land. Viewers will follow them as they explore ancient ruins relevant to Christ’s birth and ministry, learn archaeological and historical context surrounding the Nativity, and even perform ancient carpentry that Jesus practiced. Culminating with Christmas day in Bethlehem, the journey is guided by a local Christian historian (Nizar Shaheen) with on-camera commentary from a team of Bible experts. Stunning high-definition cinematography, exotic locations, and enlightening commentary make Journey to Christmas perfect holiday entertainment for the family. The discussion guide included in the DVD menu makes it a wonderful small group and church resource for the Advent season. My take on Journey to Christmas? Well, I think the five people selected for this DVD set/reality television documentary accurately represent many people in Christian churches in the United States today. Lots of agnosticism; many people who aren't sure what they believe or who they believe in; others who say they need to experience a miracle or mighty touch from God in order to believe in Him; even more who learned about Christ as a child, and maybe even prayed a prayer, but it hasn't had an impact on their lives as adults. The cinematography is fabulous. The geographical and cultural visits throughout this movie are beautiful and inspiring. I would add, though, that not much Scripture is shared in this movie, and it has been filmed more for "seekers" rather than those who have a solid faith in Jesus Christ. You can find this movie here at Christian Book.com, as well as many other online and local bookstores. The Journey to Christmas is an inspiring movie, especially for those who haven't seen or learned much about the culture and geography of the Holy Land.
Disclaimer: Tyndale Publishers has provided me with a complimentary DVD set of The Journey to Christmas, in exchange for my honest review of this product here on my website. No other compensation has been provided.
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