Miracle in the Wilderness

Watched this when it was on TV, great story line, fun movie to watch especially during the Holidays. This was a Christmas drama based on the novel by Paul Gallico. It is about a frontier woman who tells the story of Christmas to the Indian chief who kidnapped her family. As she speaks he envisions the story as it would occur in the Indian tradition. The original synopsis is as follows: Ex gunsmith Jericho Adams has finally settled down on a ranch with his wife Dora and their baby boy. Their rustic utopia is later shattered, though, by the arrival of a band of Blackfeet. Apparently, Jericho shot dead the son of this tribes chief. Now the Indians plan to take away Jericho's child. But after several skirmishes, Jericho and Dora realize the hellbent natives respond peacefully to the tale of Christ's birth.

I loved the way the movie portrayed the idea of the story in Native American terms. All of the characters in the story of the birth of Christ were imagined as if they were Native Americans. I have added this to my favorite Christmas movies.

While some may see this film as a blatant attempt to "Whiten the Savage", what it actually becomes is a very honest attempt to tell the story of the Christ couched in a cultural framework that is understandable to the people for whom it is intended. Unfortunately, the history of missions work by the Christian church is generally a tale of bloodshed and cultural misunderstandings. This film crosses the boundary of ethnicity with a timeless retelling of the Greatest Story Ever Told. I use this in outreach in NDN communities, and in multi-cultural settings, always with a favorable response. While it will definitely not appeal to those not wishing to view the message of the Meschiach, for those who follow the Creator, this film fulfills the Commission quite well.

I loved the movie and don't understand why it has not been made available on DVD. It's a great example of how sharing Christ can affect people of all nationalities. I thought the actors did a terrific job. Kris Kristoferson was perfect for the role of the husband/father. The snow made it more enjoyable for the Christmas season. I have the VHS and have watched it many times. If you've not viewed it, I recommend you catch it. It is usually on at least once during the Christmas season. I check regularly to see if it has been made available on DVD, but apparently it is not. I'm not sure it is still available for purchase in VHS. I'd really like to have it on DVD. If anyone knows where I could get a copy from the VHS to DVD, please let me know. Thanks