The Nativity

Apparently, the thing to do this year is modernize the Nativity. I can't decide if this is the greatest thing in the world or the strangest thing in the world.

The Christmas Story: This video, as found by my friend Anna, shows a group of young kids explaining Jesus's birth in their innocent voices.

The Digital Story of the Nativity:

My dad sent me a link to this video a few weeks ago and I have shared it with many people, because it is so amazing. This creator uses current Internet technology screenshots to describe in today's world how a story could possibly be told. Some programs he uses include Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Four Square and iPhone text messaging. I was even more fascinated as I had just learned what Four Square was the day before watching this video: a program where you check into your current location and have the incentive of seeing who else is there by checking in, or being labeled the "mayor" of that location for being there the most. Social media and religion are something I never would have thought to combine, but the video works well.

The advantage is that these independent groups are spending their time and effort into putting the Nativity and Christmas story into the rest of society's terms, and it might even enhance knowledge. A teenager who grew up without a religious background and comes across these videos might better comprehend the story of Christmas. Both videos focus on simplicity, and when information is presented so clearly, humans are more inclined to listen. It's great that people are spending their time analyzing the Bible and parables, then wanting to share the lessons and stories with the rest of the world.

But are we diminishing the significance of what happened by almost mocking the scene? This potential disadvantage arose in the digital nativity video. The Virgin Mary types this on Gmail in a message to joseph.carpenter07@gmail.com: Joseph, we need to talk. I will be pregnant. Call me ASAP. xoxo, Mary. The Three Kings exchange messages about what gift to buy the baby. Generally, I think this mocks our priorities of gifts and impatience more than the Nativity story itself, hitting home, but some might see it as a sign of disrespect. For now, I remain in favor of such videos and hope to see more arise in the future.

I wish you and your family a great Christmas and holiday season!! Merry Christmas!