Walk Through Bethlehem 2019

Another year and another Christmas program come and gone! This year I spent the entire week nursing a cold and trying my best to hit the high notes on a special trio written by an old friend. Our director missed one night due to illness and so did one of our trio, but still, we did our best, and we survived!

I’ve done many programs over the years and they always help me to get into the Christmas spirit. There is still the tree (and other decorations) to put up, maybe some outside lights. The big community parade is still coming, but with the kids all grown, the yearly arrival of Santa is a little less exciting. Still, it’s another big event for our small town. Another sign that Christmas is upon us!

It’s almost time, ready or not! So go listen to some Christmas songs or check out the newest holiday movies, drink some hot chocolate or eggnog and get mentally prepared for the coming weeks. And don’t forget the true reason for the season.

 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 King James Version (KJV)

Here are my thoughts from last year:

Every year my church puts together a huge event for Christmas called “A Walk Through Bethlehem.” For many years, I have participated as a member of the choir. Sometimes we are at the front, entertaining the crowds as they wait to enter our village and learn about the birth of Christ. Other years, we are at the end singing our Christmas songs while the crowds drink wassail and hot chocolate, eat cookies, and contemplate their experience. Either way, we perform our set of ten to twelve songs and do our part to make it a special and festive event.

Inside the village, Roman guards usher you along as you pay your taxes (not really), complete your census form, and then wander through the shops and tents of the common people. As you sample the food and crafts of a typical Judean village, you can warm yourself by an open fire or get close enough to pet one of several live animals. On the way out, look for a very special newborn and listen to his story. It’s a good one.

Each night, I watched a multitude of youngsters walking around showing off their brand new children’s Bibles and a variety of handcrafted items they had picked up on their walk. Everyone was smiling and I was glad to be a part of such a great Christmas tradition. By the end of the first evening, we were tired and hoarse and wondering how we were going to make it through the next two nights, but still, it’s almost Christmas and I can hardly wait!