Nickelodeon Parents' Pick for Best Local Blog in Atlanta
What: Walk Through Bethlehem
When: December 5 – 7, 2008
Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 550 Mt. Paran Rd., Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free, but there are donation boxes
St. John’s Church in Sandy Springs does an incredible and elaborate walk through Bethlehem. You park the car in a lot, then journey along a torch lighted path to Bethlehem. You are greeted at the city gates by a soldier who directs you to “make your mark” and be counted for the census. Once inside the city walls, you are on a bustling street lined with stalls full of bread, drinks, and herbs. There is a blacksmith that has just finished refining a sword for a soldier, a school where children are learning Hebrew and reciting stories. A fortune teller asks you to pick a stone and holds it to the light to see your future. There is a place to hitch the camels and then go into the palace of King Herod which is guarded by more soldiers. The sound of angels brings you around the city. Out of the hustle and bustle, there is a barn where you find Mary and Joesph with baby Jesus. Their donkey hitched close by and the three kings wait patiently for their que to bring the gifts.
My youngest was a little overwhelmed by the busy Bethlehem, but it gave all of us a great sense of being there. This is definitely a must see production.
