night in bethlehem

On Saturday night, we went to our church to the "Night in Bethlehem." It is this amazing production that they have put on the past few years. I know last year they had over 3,000 people from the Stake and the community come over the 6 days they had it last year, and this year they were planning for double that.You start out walking through town, with lots of different shops like they would have had in Bethlehem. There was a toy-making shop where the boys got a dreidle, a jewelry shop where the boys made a bead bracelet, a candle shop, where the boys looked, but we politely turned down a lit candle, because toddlers and fire don't mix. Then, every half-hour, they start a new performance of the nativity story. It was amazing. I really could have been a professional production. There was lots of beautiful music, sung by Mary and the Angel Choir. I was so touched. When the performance was over, we got to go pet the donkey with Mary (who was played by our friend Emily). Then we went inside for hot chocolate and cookies. What a fun evening, and a great opportunity to focus on the birth of our Savior, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Ky and Kade looking at the chickens in Bethlehem

Waiting in line to make a bracelet

Mary and Joseph in the stable, the New Star and an angel