Title: The Nativity: A Prelude to the Passion
Written and Directed by Mel Gibson
Opening Scene:
Fade in from black. The screen is silent, save for the faint sound of a heartbeat. A single star shines brightly in the heavens. The camera pans down to reveal a desolate, moonlit landscape of ancient Judea. The year is approximately 4 B.C.
Title Card:
“The Nativity: A Prelude to the Passion”
Scene 1: The Annunciation
The camera cuts to a humble home in Nazareth. Inside, a young Mary kneels in prayer. A soft light begins to illuminate the room. The Archangel Gabriel appears, his voice resonating like thunder and yet gentle as a whisper.
Gabriel: (in Aramaic, subtitled) “Hail, Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.”
Mary, startled, looks up in awe.
Mary: (in Aramaic, subtitled) “Who are you?”
Gabriel: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Yeshua. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Mary bows her head, trembling.
Mary: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
The light fades, leaving Mary in silent reflection.
Scene 2: Joseph’s Dream
Joseph, a carpenter, works late into the night. He glances at Mary, who is visibly pregnant, with a mixture of confusion and concern. That night, he dreams of an angel.
Angel: (in Aramaic, subtitled) “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Yeshua, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph awakens, sweat on his brow. He looks at Mary with newfound resolve.
Scene 3: The Journey to Bethlehem
Joseph and Mary travel through rugged terrain. The camera captures the harshness of the journey: rocky paths, dangerous wildlife, and the cold desert nights. Mary’s labor pains begin as they near Bethlehem.
Joseph: (in Aramaic, subtitled) “Hold on, Mary. We are almost there.”
They arrive at an overcrowded Bethlehem. Joseph pleads with innkeepers, but all refuse them. Finally, a kind innkeeper gestures to a stable.
Scene 4: The Birth of Yeshua
In the dimly lit stable, Mary gives birth to Yeshua. Joseph wraps the baby in swaddling cloths and places Him in a manger. A warm glow fills the room, emanating from the infant.
The camera pans outside as shepherds in the fields witness a heavenly host of angels.
Angels: (singing in Aramaic, subtitled) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
The shepherds rush to the stable, their faces alight with wonder.
Scene 5: The Magi’s Journey
Far to the east, three Magi study the stars. They notice a bright star and consult ancient scrolls.
Magi 1: (in Persian, subtitled) “A king has been born.”
Magi 2: “We must go and honor Him.”
They prepare gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and set out on their journey.
Scene 6: Herod’s Decree
King Herod, paranoid and enraged by the Magi’s inquiry about a “king of the Jews,” orders the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem.
Herod: (in Aramaic, subtitled) “No one shall threaten my throne!”
The scene cuts between Herod’s soldiers carrying out the horrific order and Joseph being warned in a dream to flee to Egypt.
Scene 7: The Flight to Egypt
Joseph, Mary, and Yeshua escape under the cover of darkness. The camera captures their desperation as they traverse the wilderness, avoiding soldiers and relying on divine guidance.
Closing Scene:
The family reaches Egypt. The camera lingers on the infant Yeshua in Mary’s arms. A voiceover from Isaiah 53 begins:
Voiceover: “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief… Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him; He has put Him to grief.”
The screen fades to black, and the bright star reappears, shining ever brighter.
Title Card:
“To be continued in ‘The Passion of the Christ.'”
End credits roll to a hauntingly beautiful score, blending ancient Hebrew melodies with orchestral arrangements.