In the hourwhen the king Messiah comes.
He shall stand on the roof ofthe temple,
and proclaim that the time of deliverance has come.
Those who believe and are faithful to God will rejoice in the light that will rise upon them,
as it is written, "Arise, Shine, for Thy light has come".
Only take courage and be careful to observe all things written in the law ofMoses.
And try not to side from them, neitherto the right hand norto the left.
Take care only this, in all diligence,
that oflove the Lord, thy God.
Amen!
Blessed art thou Lord, our God, King ofthe universe.
Nay, only the best among men, as it is betterto be an entity ofthe Heavens.
Blessed art thou, O God, Lord ofthe Universe,
who consecrates the Sabbath, and all oflsrael's celebrations.
Amen.
May the Lord bless and preserve you. May He let his face shine upon you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance and give you peace.
Amen
Come to my house, Rabbi, for supper? I promised my children.
Thank you.
Ah... Joseph! Ah, Joseph! Joseph!
Joseph, there's something I want to talk to you about... it's very important,
see, if you just come with me we can talk about it better...
I've read from the scriptures, it might clear.
Get away from me!
Rabbi, rabbi!
Yes, tell your mother and father they can see me tomorrow.
Once you've mastered the craft you will be free.
Always remember, only those that know how to use their hands are free.
Only they are not dependent on anyone else.
Joseph, could we-please?
Anna!
I shall leave you to work on your own for a minute.
- Remember, don't force the wood-treat it gently. - Yes, of course.
Anna, I intended to find you when we finished work, but I'll come with you now.
- You know that my husband... - God rest him, the best of men...
...was very fond of you.
He would have come to you himself, but in the end, he could hardly speak. Poor man.
What sleep he could get was disturbed by dreams about his daughter-alone, without her brother!
No man in the house! And now, I can't sleep.
And when I die, as I must soon...
Why do you say that?
I have a feeling that I will not live much longer.
You have years ahead of you, and you will sleep soundly tonight.
It's a great change in a man's life, but I also know a single man is only half a person.
As forthe contract and the date ofthe wedding... I leave that all to you and the rabbi.
Well, thank you, Joseph. You won't regret it.
Mary is a good girl-she'll make you a beautiful wife.
Shall we sign the contract the first day ofthe full moon?
And then after a year's betrothal, celebrate the wedding in the season ofthe harvest
when the earth yields up its fruit and the heart rejoices.
With luck I may be able to see it.
Mary, Mary!
Come out Mary! They're waiting for you!
Mary! Mary! Mary, come! Come quickly!
Shawl! Your shawl!
Thank you. Do not be afraid.
Yes, here she is.
Beautiful
May this betrothal, one to the other, Joseph, Mary
be blessed and sanctified according to the law ofMoses, and oflsrael.
Amen, Amen!
Who are you?
How can that be?
No man has evertouched me.
Behold the handmaiden ofthe Lord,
may you be done unto me according to yourword.
Mary? Who are you talking to?
There's news of Elizabeth.
My cousin, Elizabeth? What news?
She's going to have a son in three months time.
She conceived the child six months ago, on the 19th day of Tishri.
But Elizabeth was always bad.
Now, she's fartoo old.
What nonsense is this, child?
Oh, but it's true. She's going to have a son.
And I must go and visit her.
Seems like... the release ofthese nations, the Egyptians, the Syrians, King Herod,
to revert to the Jews, I wonder, is it because, as you say,
they identify future with past that they have so many prophets?
Oh, the prophets, it's the sun which breeds them.
Many ofthem are harmless. They preach religion, we let them go.
But, some ofthem preach rebellion because it is written.
Altogether, literacy has had a disastrous effect in this country,
and those we eliminate.
Rome has taught us that although this may be indifferent theology, it is very good government.
Majesty, I've heard the word, "Messiah". What exactly is a Messiah?
Oh, even you have heard that awful word, Procunuas?
Well, is he a prophet or is he something even-
Well, Rome, even Rome, cannot influence men's dreams,
and the messiah is a bad dream disguised as a solution to every problem.
It's a leveler of scores, a rewarder of righteousness, a scourge forthe wrongdoer,
it is the bringer of everlasting peace.
Then, as I understand from what you have said, a messiah is worse than a prophet,
from the Roman point of view...
From the Jewish viewpoint, too. I mean, you try telling that to the Jews.
No, don't! Don't! It's much wiser not to consult them.
Just when a messiah appears, crush it underfoot like a young scorpion.
No, you can tell great Augustus, that he can rest in peace in Rome,
there will be no messiahs, true orfalse, in Palestine while I am alive.
Come Mary, you'll be comfortable.
Here we go! May the Lord keep us safe on our journey!
God bless you, child.
Esther, Esther! Take this to my sister in Bethlehem.
And tell her, tell her I'll be with herfor Passover.
Go safely on your journey!
Where do you want the screen, where should I put it?
Mary! I've been longing to see you.
Mary...
So it is true.
How did you know? Who told you?
A messengerfrom God.
And he told me anotherthing.
Athing even more wonderful.
You're blessed among women,
and blessed shall be the fruit of yourwomb.
I, too, am highly favored that the mother ofthe chosen should come to me.
From the moment your greeting reached my ears
the child in my womb leaped for joy.
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my savior,
for He has looked kindly upon the most humble ofhis handmaidens,
and He has told me that all generations shall call me blessed.
He who is mighty has done unto me a mighty thing.
Is it true about Mary's dream?
Oh yes, it's true. News came from Enkarim. Elizabeth is going to have a child.
- Even though she's past the age? - Oh yes, she must be nearly fifty.
- Is she the one married to Zacharias? - Yes, that's the one. She's Mary's cousin.
- What? It can't be true! - Oh, Joseph!
Are we going to get an invitation to yourwedding?
There's plenty oftime forthat, Jonathan. The contract's only just been signed.
Only just betrothed and his beloved has left him already.
Just like her, She's always been a bit strange-not like the others.
That's something you'll have to learn to live with.
But seriously, Joseph, Mary is remarkable.
We all think so. A remarkable girl.
Give him to me, Elizabeth.
Blessed be thou, our Lord, King of the Universe, who has blessed us with your commandments
and ordained us to initiate our sons in the covenant of ourfather, Abraham.
Amen.
As this child enters the covenant,
so many enter into the study ofthe Torah into marriage, and into good deeds?
Amen
This is the seal in flesh ofthe covenant between the Lord and his people.
- What is the name ofthe child? - His name is...
His name shall be John.
When you get back to Nazareth,
tell Joseph what you have seen and heard what you know.
The Lord God gives life where no life is possible.
And one life shall be the son of God, and the other shall be his prophet.
Go, tell all this to Joseph.
But will he believe me? Will he believe me?
God will open his heart.
That's too much for any man to believe.
But you're not any man. You, too, are chosen.
I was sick at heart.
You ought to be my wife. But now, that vow has to be broken.
I swear I've never been with her.
What I said about Elizabeth was true.
Don't worry. I believe you.
God's will be done.
Now, you're sure.
She told me herself.
Women are the loveliest and brightest of God's creations.
And think you would know, but you...
- Please, I need your advice. - What advice can I give?
- This is all. - Rabbi, may I?
It is written in the law,
ifin the time ofbetrothal a woman sins with any other man, let them both be taken beyond the gates ofthe town,
and stoned to death with the abomination that be crushed out of the heart oflsrael.
Should a man marry a woman which he finds has no favor in his eyes,
because he has found in herthe stain of uncleanliness,
let him write a bill of repudiation and deliver it unto her hands.
This law applies even ifl haven't taken Mary into my house?
Yes, yes. All that is needed is for a bill to be written and delivered in the presence oftwo witnesses.
No, ifl do that I will expose her shame.
I can't. I can't.
I'll send her away ifl must, but in secret.
God knoweth the secret ofthe heart. Trust in him, and accept.
Accept it, Joseph.
The Lord will not abondon you.
Thank you.
No!
Joseph. Joseph, son of David.
Do not be afraid to take Mary as yourwife.
It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived.
She will bear a son, and you shall give him the name Jesus, the Savior.
Hey, Joseph. Joseph! The bride is arriving! Mary's here!
- With this ring... - With this ring...
- Be thou consecrated unto me... - Be thou consecrated unto me...
According to the law ofMoses and oflsrael...
May the Lord bless and preserve you.
May the Lord make His face shine upon you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance towards you and give you peace.
Amen
Would you like some grapes or some dates? I picked them myself from the orchard.
No no no no... I've got one. Bless you.
Your majesty, we have always treated your country as far as possible
as a free and independent nation,
but the governor of Syria has decided to include Palestine in a census.
- In that event... - A census in my territories?
In Galilee, Judea, whatever your motives forthis, they'll be misunderstood.
People will be resentful, suspicious, perhaps, perhaps even hostile.
As consul, I am here merely to carry out instructions.
My dear, there seems to be one aspect ofthe problem of which either Rome or you are entirely ignorant,
and I cannot believe it to be Rome.
The method which you propose to me of your census are contrary to ourtradition.
- Tradition? - Permit me your Majesty.
I do not think that Marcus Matzo is aware ofthe tradition your majesty refers to.
For such official purposes as the taking ofthe census,
every person living in these territories considers himself as belonging not to the place where actually he lives,
but to the place of origin in his family group.
His tribe, may I say tribe?
You may say tribe.
A census, therefore, means movement of every person back to what he considers to be his native township, ancestral capital.
To dignify a place which is sometime no more than a stinking dunghill!
Oh! You choose your phrases most exquisitely...
So, ifthe census were conducted according to local tradition,
you think your subjects would accept it more readily?
Oh, I see! Now we're supposed to count ourselves!
Under your supervision, I hope starting with the king?
- That is not. - Seriously, seriously do you know what this would entail?
The shifting of entire populations! The disruption oftrade!
The divine Augustus is counting on your understanding, your Majesty.
I hope I shall not have to inform him of any lack of cooperation.
Thank the divine Augustus for his unswerving benevolence.
That census is a trick to increase the taxes,
and we know where the money ends up in Rome!
But why should it?
What does Rome give us?
That's not the point.
The Romans want to count us how many we are where we are,
they want us to know that they are our ruler,
but we should have no earthly ruler. No rule but the Lord, no king but God.
It's not for you to remind us ofthe scriptures. Be quiet and go home.
I apologize for my son. He's too young to understand.
What are you doing to the faith of ourfathers?
All over of Galilee there are thousands ofJews preparing for,
forwhat you're always talking about in there, the coming ofthe king who will liberate us.
- Come! - And what are you doing about it? Nothing!
We accept the violence ofthe Romans like sheep!
- We are not worthy ofthe king to come! - Stop it!
The king to come will not bring violence and bloodshed.
It is written. He himselfis pure from sin.
God shall cause him to be mighty through the spirit ofholiness
and wise through the counsel of understanding.
Now come home. Stay there until you learn more respect for your elders.
Anna.
I must go to Bethlehem.
It's my native town
and, and Mary must come with me.
- Why? - Forthe census?
So even Augustus obeys God.
- The prophecy? - Yes the prophecy!
Forthou, O Bethlehem, art in no ways the least of cities.
Forfrom thee shall come forth a Shepard of my people, Israel.
If only I could come with you.
If only, I... Joseph, you'll need help when he's born.
Don't you trouble, Anna. He will be well cared for.
Everything will be done as God ordered.
They seem to be kings, Lord Melchior. From different lands.
I told you we could not have been the only ones to see the sign.
Come in peace. Where are you bound?
Wherever I am led.
I follow that star.
I'm sure that Herod keeps a strict watch on his frontiers.
He must know that we've crossed them.
I would have to tell him, as Balthazar said,
that I follow that star, wherever it leads.
But what will we find.
All my calculations show that there was to be a new heavenly creature, a new star.
It was even precise as to place and time.
So I made up my mind to set forth and see what they will behold.
You did not know?
Only that it would be something wonderful.
The stars are not distant and aloof, cut off from the lives of men.
The rising of a new star always entails an immense labor in the heavens that always has its counterpart on earth.
The universe is about to bring forth a prodigy beyond our understanding.
Your star, my brother Balthasar, is indeed a sign of wonder.
The divine solar master says, the next prophet will show himselfin a foreign land.
And the truth he will reveal will be at first only for his own people...
- But there is only one truth. - And only one God.
All the rest are vain, or parts ofhim.
The people oflsrael know this.
Many of theirwise men have been close to him,
and their writings confirm my calculations.
A king is about to be born...
A king?
A king who will free us from the evils ofthis world.
Where will he be born?
The sacred writings point to a small town, in Judea called Bethlehem Efratta.
Rest there, I'll find a place.
- Excuse me, may I speak with you? - What do you want?
I desperately need a place to stay fortonight.
My wife is near hertime...
No, no, I can't help you. I already have too many people.
- But I've got... - Can't you see?
Come on! Close the door!
How many times do I have to tell you the gate should be shut?
Nothing, but there must be another place, I'll try again.
How do you feel.
I don't like leaving you alone.
Do you think you could walk a little further?
- Hold on to me... - Oh, no! No!
Stay there, stay there.
God will help us.
Listen, it's no use trailing around Bethlehem anymore.
Every inn is full up. None ofthem are going to take yourwife in like that.
Come I'll show you. Take your donkey.
It's about time. Now do as I tell you,
if you go through that gate overthere, just outside the walls on the road to Jerusalem you'll come to...
careful... you come to some stables, some caves.
It's not much, I know, but you need warm and dry and plenty of fresh straw.
Look, they're down there. Can you see?
Right. Now then, ifl can manage it, I'll come back later, and help.
Oh, and if anyone tries to throw you out, just say that Abigail sent you. Abigail.
Rememberthe name.
We'll remember. Thank you.
Look, Mary.
Oh, beautiful child.
Come on, put him there in the manger.
And see ifthere is some fresh straw. That will keep him warm.
I'll take care ofher, poor girl.
Now then. Hand me some water. Give it to me.
Good, that's it.
Who's that? What do you want?
This is no place for you! Get out! Get out, you hear me?
Off! Off with you! Can't you see?
The poor girl's just had a child?
That's why we've come. We were told to.
Told by whom?
We were out there in the fields. This man came to us from nowhere.
An angel, shepherds he said.
They say that Israel is a scattered flock that lacks a shepherd.
And then he said, "Tonight, the shepherd is born.
It is for you that He comes, "he said. "Forthe poor."
That's why you came here?
Yes. The man said,
he said...
The man said, "Today, in the city of David, a savior has been born for you.
Glory to God in the highest," he said.
And peace on earth forthose who he loves.
Come!
They cross my border, yet not one ofthem sends a greeting?
Are they armed?
Not heavily, your majesty. As far as I say, they were equipped to travel fast and far...
But they were not heading here?
If not here, where?
It was Bethlehem, majesty.
They, they followed a star, the new star.
Bethlehem?
O thou, Bethlehem Effrata, thou art the smallest what was that phrase again?
Thou Bethlehem Effrata, art little one out ofthousands ofJudah.
Out ofthee He shall come forth unto thee, for as to be the ruler in Israel,
and His going forth is from the beginning from the days of eternity.
A ruler in Israel?
Have those travelers watched all the time.
And bring me the names of all newborn children in Bethlehem.
...And the glory ofthe Lord shines over you.
Forthough darkness covers the earth, and dark night the nations,
the Lord shall shine upon you.
Come, come!
- I promise that everything will be done the way we agreed. - It won't take long.
Come, come!
Borsch!
And the Lord said to Abraham, "Keep my alliance, and circumcise each child born unto Israel on the eighth day ofhis life." Amen.
This is the seal and flesh of the covenant between the Lord and His people.
And the child shall be called?
His name shall be Jesus.
Where is he?
Now I can die contented, Lord,
according to Thy word.
I am Simeon, an old man who has waited long to see his salvation.
And now my eyes have seen the child who will bring the salvation thou hast prepared before all people.
A light of revelation to the gentiles, and the glory ofthy people, Israel.
And a sword shall pierce your heart.
Next.
- What is your name? - Joseph of Elias
- Where are you from? - Eskelon.
Don't forget to take yourtoken with you.
- What's your name? - Asbar Zadif.
- How many children? - Seven, this is the youngest.
- How old is she? - Three.
- Move on. - And here, seven tokens.
My husband could not come, he's ill.
- Well, there'll be one for him, too, if you explain. - What are these tokens?
- A coin to prove that you've registered. - Well, they're little tokens with the emperor's head on them.
Special orders!
We want the names of all the newborn.
Newborn?
Note their names. The newborn.
What did he say?
He wants the names of all the newborn.
Why do they want to know about the newborn?
Well, there's no point in arguing with them. You just do what you're told.
Wait!
Don't be afraid.
Where is the child?
We have come a long way to greet him.
This is the king oflsrael
who will take away the sins ofthe world.
I did not know what we were to find, and coming here, a stable?
I thought my brothers were mistaken, but now I see the justice ofthis.
There could be no other place.
Mm... not in glory, but in humility.
Accept these poortokens of our homage.
Incense, to perfume the halls ofthe mighty.
Gold, for kingly rule.
Myrrh, the most precious herb ofthe East, and the most bitter.
And now, a word of warning.
Leave here as soon as you can.
Herod's soldiers have followed us, hoping it would lead them to you.
He knows ofHis birth. He will seek out the child and kill him.
Go into Egypt.
It may not be for long, Herod's days are numbered.
Those travelers crossed my frontier again?
- Yes, your majesty. - Yes, your majesty.
But the child would still be here.
Kill every male child up to one year old, two years old.
Betterthe innocent should die, then that the guilty should escape.
Guilty? Your majesty, a child?
Guilty ofthe womb! Guilty ofthe stars!
I'll bring down their stars! I'll snuffthem out in blood!
This is my world! I will not share it with an infant!
There is no room fortwo kings here! Like a newborn scorpion underfoot!
You know the mark of a real king? Courage!
Even in the face ofJewish prophecy! Bits of old parchment! Old, blind men! Hah!
Now go to Bethlehem! I make history!
- Kill! - But your Majesty!
Kill! Kill them all! Kill! Kill them all!