Let me tell you a little personal story behind this video. This little film is extremely close to my heart. My dad filmed it.

As most of you know, my dad is a cinematographer and a very talented one at that. This film took him to the heart of Jerusalem when I was in the sixth grade. He was gone for nearly two months making this. The producers were very interested in bringing the reality of the birth of Christ to the hearts of mankind.

My dad tells stories of waiting all day long for the perfect light to film the camels walking across the dunes. He tells stories of how Israelis rebels would start shooting at the set during production. They would be trying to film the sweet tender moments of the dear Christ child only to have gun fire interrupt their scene and everyone would have to duck for cover.

My grandmother passed away during the making of this movie and my dad was unable to make it home for her funeral. I know that was hard for him. He loved her very much.

Every time I watch this, I think of all of the time, energy and sacrificing that went into its production and it makes my heart just that much more tender. Then, I think that those trials were no where near what Christ went through for all of us and it makes me very grateful for all that I have and all that I have been blessed with.

I know that I don’t go into a lot of sentimental religious talk on my blog. However, I do want to take one small side step this time to really put my gratitude out there for the season and what it represents. It is little film clips like this that bring peace to my soul and let me know that I am loved. I know that I love my children more than words could ever express and I am so grateful that I have them here in my life with me.

I hope that we can all reach in our hearts this season and find the good in all that surrounds us. I am trying to do just that.