While
we’re moving into the more widely-known story, we’re still on precursor
events: Elizabeth’s pregnancy, news of
Caesar Augustus’s census, etc. In this
episode, Mary has learned that she’s pregnant with the Messiah, and she doesn’t
know what to make of it. Part of her
hopes it was only a dream, and her visit to Elizabeth is a confirmation
mission. She’s confused, humbled,
frightened, ponderous, and overwhelmed; you’re really reminded of how young she
is, and how enormous her situation is.
Meanwhile,
the three magi are beginning their journey.
I like that the legendary Christmas Star isn’t actually apparent yet –
rather, they’ve studied the movement of the stars and are predicting a phenomenal
event based on current trajectories.
This places a greater emphasis on faith, the belief that the star will be there, and it’s their place to
meet it when it appears.
Balthazar
proves to be perhaps the most grounded of the magi. When their associates scorn the idea of going
off in pursuit of a star, he considers the journey’s length, its dangers, and
the possibility of angering Herod or the Romans. Gaspar only has eyes for the sky, and
Melchior is up to his neck in prophecies, so it may be Balthazar who ensures
that they make it to Jerusalem in one piece.
There’s
an excellent scene between Balthazar and Melchior, where Balthazar asks the
older man whether he truly believes that the star will point the way to the
Messiah. Balthazar believes in God, but
he thinks the days of God directly interacting with the people through signs
and shows of power are long past. It’s
really interesting to see, because I’m accustomed to that attitude nowadays – “Miracles
are for the Bible. God doesn’t work like
that anymore.” Even though the Bible spans
eras, I’m used to compressing them into generic “Bible times.” But in truth, for Balthazar, it’s been ages
since Abraham or Moses or David, and I can see why he might feel God is far
away from him.
Also,
PC looks absolutely ridiculous riding a camel; I love it.
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