THE LION IN WINTER (1968)

Directed by: Anthony Harvey
Written by: Jams Goldman
Studio: Embassy Pictures Corporation
Starring: Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins
Rated: PG

About the film:
King Henry II has yet to choose a successor to his throne and all three of his sons desire the power that comes with being king. As his sons and his imprisoned wife Eleanor gather together to celebrate Christmas, each member of the family never stops scheming or manipulating in order to get what he or she wants.

Movie Quote:
“The sky is pocked with stars. What eyes the wise men must have had to see one more among so many.”
Henry II (Peter O’Toole) in The Lion in Winter (1968)

Bible Quote:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Psalms 19:1 (NIV)

Commentary:
King Henry II, through musing, makes an error that many people have made in his time as well as in ours. The wise men did not see a star that never existed before. They just knew how to read the stars that were there for all to see.

The idea that the Maji followed one star which shone like a beacon, illuminating the manger where Jesus was born, is a fallacy which continues to be believed by many in our day. If it were so, why didn’t this heavenly spotlight attract more people?

The truth is far more illuminating. God placed the stars in the firmament to tell a story… the story of His son. Each star, each constellation, and each planet has spiritual significance attached to it. As the earth rotates, a different part of the story is made visible each night.

The Magi, who, centuries earlier, were taught how to read the stars by the prophet Daniel, were the only ones faithful to continue their study long enough to recognize the celestial birth announcement of God’s only begotten son.

“And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years. Genesis 1:1-14

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. If God placed the stars and planets in the heavens simply to tell a story, do we need a space program?

2. Henry faced a tough decison... who to name as successor to his crown? What qualities make for a good ruler and did any of his sons possess them?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com