Back to Bethlehem

Last Saturday, all the children in our stake gathered at the ward building for a special Stake Primary activity. It was called "Back to Bethlehem" and it was a wonderful experience that John and I had the opportunity to be a part of. We divided into families, brought our "taxes" (cans of food for the food bank), and wore our "Biblical attire" to get in the mood. We were greeted by Roman centurions who hassled us for our taxes. The building was packed with people and amid the chaos of trying to get into the cultural hall, it really felt like we were in another time. We entered "Bethlehem" through a narrow, low opening, very similar to what John says the actual "Eye of the Needle" entrance to Jerusalem is like. Inside the cultural hall the lights were dim and there were tents set up as booths in the bazaar. Our kids had shekels to buy food or pay for activities. There were vegetables, fruit, dates, scones and honey to eat. They could also participate in wood carving, the dreidel game, matchmaking, leather working and even learn to write their names in Hebrew. (John spent some time learning Hebrew and studying in Israel, so he has us decked out in authentic clothing and really enjoyed helping the kiddos write their Hebrew names.)



After we had visited all the booths and gotten a drink from the "well" in the middle of the room, we gathered on our blankets on the floor to hear the Christmas story from the Bible. A narrator read the story and volunteers from our stake acted out the parts of shepherds (bishopric members and high councilmen), wise men (stake presidency), the angel Gabriel and Mary, Joseph and Jesus. My favorite part was watching Brent and Susie Clayton as Joseph and Mary. They walked through Bethlehem, searching for a place to stay. They were turned away at the inn and finally ended up in a stable. The children were rapt watching the story play out. I found myself so moved and touched by seeing my friends portray this couple- I felt so much sympathy for them! I imagined seeing my actual friends cold and hungry and desperate for somewhere to stay! Then the angel Gabriel brought baby Jesus (played by baby Evelyn) to them. It really was such a special and poignant experience for me and I think the children really understood the Christmas story in a deeper way.