Shameless Conflation

First Ever Thomas Kinkade Illuminated Nativity Tree!

Aglow with the true spirit of Christmas!

Plays the cherished melody
of Silent Night


The holy family looks radiant
under the soft glow of the illuminated Crèche
[Actual advertising copy. Parade, January 1, 2006, p. 17.]

Thomas Kinkade should really get the services of a qualified biblical scholar on staff. Consider this reading of the New Testament birth narratives (and I quote):

The Thomas Kinkade "Glory To The Newborn King" Illuminated Nativity Tree is entirely hand-crafted to retell the blessed event step by step, from the Three Kings' journey to Bethlehem, to the heavenly angels bringing good tidings and praise, to the night Jesus was born [emphasis mine].

What is wrong with this biblical scholarship advertising copy?

Besides getting the events in reverse chronological order, Kinkade has shamelessly conflated the Lukan and Matthean versions of the nativity story.

Luke's narrative stresses the humility and lowliness of the birth story. The baby Jesus is born in a manger (a feeding trough for cattle) in a barn because his parents lack the funds, social status, and/or foresight to have secured them a room in the inn. The angels sing, but their song is heard by lowly shepherds in the field, watching their flock by night. (Shepherds are at the low end of the social scale).

Not so Matthew's story. Jesus' birth draws the panicked attention of the mighty and powerful. Kings (or are they magi, or astrologers?) from the east come to Jerusalem seeking "the child who has been born king of the Jews." This language (with its allusions to the hoped-for military leader who would overthrow the Roman occupiers and reestablish the Davidic kingdom) draws the concerned reaction of none other than King Herod, whose job it is to prevent such an uprising from occuring. He asks the magi to inform him of the child's location, but respecting the child's fourth amendment rights, the magi return home without providing Herod with the intelligence he has sought. [Perhaps if Herod had requested a warrant, history would have gone differently]. So trying to snuff out the threat, Herod orders that every male born in Bethlehem during the past two years be executed.

But none of this literary texture shows up in Kinkade's artwork [sic] or advertising copy. Rather, as the ad blathers on...

Hand-painted scenes and figurines nestle cozily within its lush, sculptural greenery. Reflecting a warm, holiday glow, the tree and structures illuminate with just a flick of the switch, and plays the cherished Christmas carol, Silent Night.

Oh, yes. Just one more thing. Why, if this piece of priceless Christmas kitsch (well, actually, it's $135, payable in four convenient installments of just $33.75 ... plus $14.99 shipping and service) is to play Silent Night ... do they call the thing "Glory To The Newborn King." Those words come from Charles Wesley's Christmas hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.

Just more shameless conflation.

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