Journey to Bethlehem

The greatest event my church here puts on is the annual Bethlehem Village, where we transform the parking lot to 1st Century Bethlehem, with animals, booths of goods you could buy then, the carpenter shop, the blacksmith, the fabric shop (where you can watch them weave and dye fabric) etc. We're a church that averages about 220 people on a Sunday morning and we have 150 people somehow involved this year which is awesome! It's a project that involves everyone from the littlest members (3 month old baby Ava played baby Jesus this year!) to the oldest who may not even be able to attend but help with crafts, and prep stuff ahead of time. I didn't get a ton of good photos last night, my little camera doesn't take the best night photos with it's little flash, but here are a combination of photos from this year and from 2 years ago. The photos from 2 years ago were taken by a professional photographer, so the flash worked a little better =) Two years ago I played Mary, so some of these are photos of me as Mary, and some are from last night when Chuck and I were just visitors to Bethlehem.

Upon entering, you are greeted by census takers who give you "Bethlehem coins" to spend while in the village and Roman soldiers who make sure you sign the census book, and wander the village collecting taxes (so make sure you have some Bethlehem coins on you!)Then you wander the village visiting various shops and markets. Last night Ms. Ellie was working the pottery booth, demonstrating her skills, she actually helped make the bowl in front of her out of wet clay!The spice shop from 2 years ago--you can smell spices popular back then and take some home!The carpentry shop, they were building stoolsThe marketplace, where a coin will get you hummus, pita, olives, figs and of course, apple cider!The Jewish Synagogue you can visit to learn from the Rabbi what life was like for Jews then and to receive a blessing in Hebrew.Every 1/2 hour a live nativity show starts, where Mary & Joseph wander through the village, asking directions to an inn before they are told there is no room. They are shown to the stable and one by one shepherds, kings, and angels come visit them with the new baby Jesus.
Tim played a shepherd last night.The angels above the stable announcing the birth of the MessiahThis year's Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus--Alex, Abby, and baby Ava (borrowed from another family!)The Holy Family surrounded by the little angels that came!Presenting the baby Jesus to the people. Ok, the orange pacifier isn't all that authentic, but Isabella wasn't super thrilled to be baby Jesus, so this kept her relatively quiet!The shepherds, wise men, and animals all at the manger. This was from 2 years ago, mine from last night didn't turn out.Dave, myself, and the little angels that came to visit the new baby.Chuck making friends with the mule last night!Watch out for the Roman soldiers who might take your money!

There is one more chance to visit Bethlehem this year! Tonight, 6-8:30 at First Pres in Burbank!