Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

One of the activities we planned about a month ahead of time was a trip to the Richmond, VA area to attend a live nativity.  Mom has a facebook friend who told her about their church's nativity so it was not only a fun family event, and the only cost was gas to get there, it also allowed mom to finally meet this friend face to face.
The only downside is that we are a blended family so although the timing worked well for my work schedule, it was a Saturday and Angela was having a visit with her mom and sister so she couldn't come too.  That was a bummer, but she had a good visit too.
After a morning of fun at the Lynchburg Community Market doing the Christmas activities we met up at mom and dad's around 1:30.

Downtown Lynchburg's Mistle Toe Market, complete with Jayla loosing her first tooth from the apple I bought her there from a Vendor!

Then we all headed to Richmond.  We got to the Nativity about 3:30.  There was already quite the line even though it hadn't even begun yet.  Nearing 5 it was our groups turn for this amazing walk thru Nativity.
Our journey with our tour guide, Matthew who warned us of the Romans and what to expect.  It began with us traveling to Bethlehem for the census and having to pay our shekel tax.  Mom (and others with walking difficulties) got to ride in the Chariot (aka golf cart) The Romans weren't very nice,  Roman centaurians were there to ensure there were no issues, like police officers of that time era.   The tax collector was a thief over charging us all by double the amount owed, but there was nothing we could do about it.

Jayla and Jayna playing around while we waited our turn, Our shekels, Our tour guide, The Romans and finally the tax collector

We entered Bethlehem.  There were all sorts of shops and people selling goods, but we couldn't afford any of it, although the tried their best to sell to us.  Some of the shop keepers told us how drastically their jobs had changed recently.  Like the blacksmiths who now make nothing but nails for crucifixions and the furniture makers who make mostly just crosses for the same.

Selling fish, blacksmith, the weaver trying a scarf on Jayna,basket making and spice sellers, the butcher.... Anthony visited family in jail,and he wanted an apple, the town pub where we all danced outside.

The lady at the well, a lady gave us a "prophecy" paper (bible verse) to take with us, the furniture makers building crosses, Grandma Joy in her chariot surrounded by grandkids

Then some of the townspeople told of the prophecies of the coming Messiah.  The video is mom's friend.   The background noise (singing) is the dance the group behind us was doing (we had just done it before visiting the lady at the well).  You can hear our tour guide and Dad saying yes too.


As we were leaving town square a very pregnant couple were hoping for a room in the Inn, but the inn keeper said there was no room so he told them they could stay in the stable.  As we were leaving town a few of the people in our group were taken for labor since we din't have any more money.  They were later released ;-)

Next we went through the fields and met some Shepards who told us they heard baby Jesus had been born.

We heard/saw the Angels singing which led us to the Manger where a newborn baby Jesus had just been born.

The angels, the scene at the Stable with Mary singing to baby Jesus-- silent Night and our 3 kids watching intently

Next we found the wisemen.  We told them we had seen Baby Jesus. They taught us about the gifts they were bringing Baby Jesus, even letting us smell the frankincense and myrrh.  They pointed out the HUGE shining star they were going to follow to see the Baby Messiah.

The wise men and the star

Eight days later we were at the temple where Mary and Jospeh had brought Baby Jesus to be dedicated and to meet Simeon and Anna at the Temple who had been waiting years to see Him.  Anna sang Mary did you know.

At the Temple

Then we went through some of Jesus' years as the greatest teacher, and met his disciples and watched him heal the sick.

We found ourselves at the cross next, where Jesus was crucified.  

Three days later we were with Mary Magdalene at an empty grave.  Jesus had risen from the dead.

Finally we met Nicodemus who told the purpose behind all of this.  The hope we have and the Power of the cross and it saving us from eternal suffering.

At the end of the Bethlehem we all got to enjoy some homemade cookies, hot chocolate or coffee.  There were prayer counselors and cards to fill out w/ prayer requests.  We were there for quite a while.   We waited in line a bit longer than an hour.  The walk itself was just under an hour.  and we were in the building at the end of the walk for quite a while too.  This far surpassed what I was expecting.  It was super interactive and fun for all ages in an over-commercialized Santa filled December we also got to experience the real reason for Christmas.

an almost complete family shot

On the way home we stopped for a family dinner at Wendy's.  Of course Dad was at the kids table ;-)

Via the Bethlehem Walk's facebook page:

Here are the final numbers for Bethlehem Walk 2015. We welcome 158 new believers who gave their life to the Lord. We also had 239 people rededicate their lives to the Lord and living for Him. These are the numbers we celebrate and make all the long hours worth it. Pray for these brothers and sisters in Christ as they start their walk or renew their walk with the Lord.

We also collected 1,447 pounds of can goods as well for the local food banks. Thank you all for your donations.