"The Passion of The Christ"
A Report From Jewels on the Mel Gibson Movie

Yes! I cannot think of a movie that has been as wonderful... this really kept me praying the whole time and touched me deeply; humbling is a good word for what you feel when you see it. I cannot see how people can call it a "passion play" or say that it is going to place a wedge of hostility between Jews and Christians, as it is not really a movie that places blame, but rather it high lights Jesus' love and His sacrifice for us. Honestly, I saw nothing in it that was even propaganda in manner or evangelistic. It truly was a simple film on what Jesus suffered for us and how He CHOSE to do it... showing the understanding dawning of WHO He is and was; what His actions MEANT and DID for us all. It told the Gospel with truth and accuracy... without trying to blame or hate or make excuses or convert. It told the story for you to open to it or to walk away -- just as the two criminals beside Jesus had the choice to turn to him or not. I was impressed with the accuracy and how the personal moments with his disciples were depicted... showing the last supper, showing the caring of His mom for Him, showing His caring and teaching... I particularly loved how they showed the people changing when they were moved by Christ and their recognition of Him. I loved how it showed Jesus telling His followers that you should NOT be afraid for the Helpers will come and you SAW the helpers for Jesus... even though it was done in a subtle manner -- just as it commonly is in our own lives. You felt hurt, sorrow, unworthiness, guilty for the crimes to which He suffered... I kept hearing the chorus in my head echo - "those were my nails, that was my crown, that pierced your hands, and your brow. Those were my scorns, my thorns... on my cross." I cried and cried, prayed and prayed... how grateful my heart to Him and when the ending came... it filled me with hope, gratitude, peace... all the tears and sorrow dissipated into joy, acceptance, love and appreciation. I cannot imagine a better depiction and even the graphic realism of the movie was... necessary. It was not done in poor taste and it was not done just for shock value, as you see in horror movies... it made you understand the culture and society... the people and the turmoil. It made you comprehend just WHAT HE DID for all of US and what we were saved from. I found myself not turning away in disgust from the realism, but rather because it was too painful to watch what He endured and heart wrenching to realize that He endured it FOR ME... in my place. WOW... so moving. When you do see it, please let me hear your thoughts.

The Words to the Chorus of the Song:

Those were my nails

That was my crown

That pierced your hands

And your brow

Those my scorns

Those were my thorns

Those were my tears

That fell down

And after you counted the cost

You took my blame

My shame

On my cross...

That is the best way to describe the movie....

Wonderful words and a beautiful song!

GOD bless!

Love in Christ,

Jewels