Lessons from Movies Part 2

The story of redemption.  The story of love.  The story of us all.

This is the movie version of the longest running musical; Broadway's Les Miserables.  It is, hands down, one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.  We saw it Christmas afternoon along with, I think, half of the city.  :)  We were a little late getting to the theater and ended up sitting on the second row.  Big, the characters on the screen were very big. :)  I think they would have been big even if I was sitting in the back row.  Don't miss this movie!

I knew Les Mis would affect me after watching it for 5 minutes.  The condemnation, the shame and guilt carried around by Jean Valjean mirrors every person before we realize who we are in Christ's eyes.  We carry our burdens around like boulders strapped to our backs.  Straining under the weight of our sins, and trying to hide the scars.  It's a burden, because of Christ, we no longer have to carry.  We just have to look for, accept and love the one who has already carried that burden for us.  We have to know that we have been bought with a price.  We are meant for better things. 

Jean Valjean  learns this when he tries to steal the silver from the bishop.  Valjean is arrested for his theft and then not only forgiven but given the best the bishop had in his possession.  It's a beautiful scene.  (Start at 1:00.)  "But remember this my brother, see in this some higher plan.  You must use this precious silver to become an honest man.  By the witness of the martyrs, by the Passion and the Blood, God has raised you out of darkness.  I have bought your soul for God!" 

Isn't that all of us?  So beautiful are the hands and feet of those who share the love of Christ.  It's so amazing to see how Valjean changes once he knows who he is and who he belongs to.  It's a theme that resonates throughout the entire movie.  Valjean lives a life filled with extending others grace and mercy, even when other don't extended to him.  You hear Valjean's prayers and see him always helping others, even at great peril to himself.  It's just incredible to watch.   At Valjean's death he says that "to love another is to see the face of God".  (starting around 4:45 get ready to get your Kleenex out!)  If you want to see the entire 25th anniversary concert, here is the link, but I would recommend that you see the movie.  I really want to go see it again, because I know there are some things I missed. 

I'm so thankful for Victor Hugo who wrote Les Miserables.  I'm thankful for Claude-Michel Shonberg who wrote the music for the musical; Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel for writing the lyrics; and Herbert Kretzmer who wrote the English adaptation for them.  I'm thankful for Tom Hopper who directed the movie and to all the actors for the parts they played.  The glory that they bring to God must have the heavenly host singing along.  There is redemption for us all.  All thanks be to God!

Celebrating Life & forgiveness!
~ashley