Dec. 16, 2008 - Return to Bethlehem 2008
Up above in the picture, Josh gets to feel the fish at the fish market in "Bethlehem". Ok, so we didn't really go to Bethlehem, but it sure felt like it.
We went to "Return to Bethlehem" this past weekend, hosted by a church in a neighboring town. It was so nice. This church puts this together each year. As a group, you get to walk through Bethlehem. They make it very realistic. You walk through the town and hear Roman soldiers shouting commands. You pass by all the different shops and the actors are so good at including you into the story. It's very interactive. They have live animals, beggars at the city gates, and you follow the star until YOU find baby Jesus. It's pretty neat.
Our friends, the Carters also went. This is the second year we have done this, but it was the first year the dads could join in on the fun. I think we'll make this a Christmas tradition.
Speaking of traditions, we have a few, but I'm looking for some more as the boys get older. We always read in Luke about the birth of Christ, and we have a "Jesus stocking". When I catch the boys doing something kind, then I write it on a slip of paper and put it in the "Jesus stocking". They can also add things they see each other doing and add it to the stocking. Then on Christmas, we take out each piece of paper and read what's on it. Their kindness to others is their "gift" to Jesus. It's a good reminder to us all to be kind, especially as the busyness of Christmas approaches : ) And we usually make a birthday cake for Jesus.
Below, the boys enjoy refreshments at the end of the trek through Bethlehem.
Yes, those are real camels! Josh, Jon, and Matt posed for a brief (and very cold) picture.
All of the actors were so good at drawing you into the times--this was especially fun for the little ones.
At this shop, the ladies were kneading bread and asked Matt to help out!
This shop made wooden bowls, spoons, etc.
At the shop below, they were making clothing from different animal skins. I think Jon was thinking he'd seen this done before since his dad and brother have gotten a couple of deer this season.
If you have the chance to go to something like this in your area, your family would love it. And what better way to help keep the focus on Christ--the real reason for the season!
Comments
Dec. 19, 2008 - Wow!
Posted by tn3jcarter
You got some GREAT pictures, especially knowing how dark and crowded it was in there.
I'm so glad that we pushed on and went on Sunday rather than once the roads got messy. It is always such a blessing.
Dec. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Suzanne0612
How Wonderful! Our family will definitily have to go next year. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
