A Walk Through Bethlehem

What: Walk Through Bethlehem
When: December 4 – 6, 2009
Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 550 Mt. Paran Rd., Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free, but there are donation boxes

Each year my boys are bombarded by relatives (ok, I’m guilty too) with the question “What do you want for Christmas.” It’s no wonder as the month progresses, the gimmes rear their ugly head. The Walk Through Bethlehem at St. John’s Church in Sandy Springs is a great activity to remind our children and ourselves what the season is really about.

This program is the most elaborate live nativity I’ve seen. After parking the car, journey along a torch lighted path to the ancient city of Bethlehem. Be prepared to “make your mark” for the census in order to enter the city gates, guarded by Roman soldiers. Inside is a bustling street, lined with stalls full of bread, drinks, and herbs for sale. Watch as a blacksmith finishes refining a sword for a soldier, or listen as school children learn Hebrew and recite stories. A fortune teller picks stones and holds them to the light to tell the future. There is a place to hitch the camels before entering the palace of King Herod which is guarded by more soldiers. The sound of angels singing brings guests outside the city. Out of the hustle and bustle, there is a barn with Mary, Joesph and the baby Jesus. The couples donkey is hitched close by and the three kings wait patiently for their que to bring the gifts.

Last year 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.