A Handclasp that Defines Marriage

It’s been over ten years since “The Nativity Story” was released and has since become a cinematic gem to remember the true meaning of the holiday season. There’s one simple scene in this movie that speaks to another valuable meaning that risks being forgotten, however. It has to do with the concept of marriage. 

The Nativity Story, as the name implies, is set at the time when Zechariah and Elizabeth find out they are going to conceive a child who will be John the Baptist. At the same time, the movie gradually centers on Joseph and Mary’s plights from finding out they will conceive our Lord, Jesus Christ, to traveling to Bethlehem as a result of Caesar’s decree for a census to be taken- spoiler alert ahead. Along the way, Joseph guides their donkey across a river with Mary riding on it, but just when all seems calm, the donkey becomes alerted to a water snake approaching and begins to buck. Mary is knocked off as Joseph scrambles to calm the donkey and make sure his wife is okay, but not before he grabs the snake and throws it as far as he can. Separated, the couple makes their way toward each other amidst the chaos. As soon as they’re close enough, one of the most beautiful scenes in film history happens – they clasp hands. 

It’s only shown for a second only lasts for a second and can easily be overlooked, but it sums up the immense meaning of marriage in a nutshell. It echoes Paul’s most famous words from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 that love believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things, with a special emphasis on “endures.” Love in marriage is saying to your spouse I will be there for you and you for me no matter what trouble we face and we will come out stronger. For many, this is probably something that needs no further explanation, but holy matrimony, much like Christmas, has been watered down to a mere tradition or formality in many parts of today’s society.  

God has been taken out of the picture with his divine love replaced by our own version of love that usually carries a mentality of “as long as everything is going good”. The second rough times come, the relationship disintegrates. God’s love for us is so much stronger than that though. It remains with us through everything, especially the rough times which only strengthens our relationship with him. It’s this exact type of endurable love that’s shown through Joseph and Mary’s hand clasp, a remarkably similar image to when Jesus reaches down and grabs Peter’s hand to save him from drowning. 

 The Nativity Story is truly a remarkable film that helps us experience the true meaning behind Christmas. It also teaches so many things we can hold within our hearts all year round even as we approach Easter. It reminds us that marriage, like faith, requires unwavering commitment. It's a journey filled with unexpected challenges, yet through it all, love overcomes any obstacle, even a water snake. By rekindling this spirit of love and devotion, we can not only strengthen our own relationships but also serve as a beacon of hope for those searching for true love in a world that often overlooks its most profound meaning.