Monday, December 14, 2009

A Very Special Night


The re-enactment was spectacular. From Roman guards and merchants, to the temple priest and townspeople. We were immediately transported back thousands of years to that very special night, when the birth of a baby would change the world.


The light mist that fell from the sky added to the surreal ambiance created by the flaming torches gleaming high above the 'city' walls. We waited with anxious anticipation to be ushered into the re-created town of Bethlehem. A narrator welcomed us and introduced herself as the innkeeper's daughter. She told us not to count on staying overnight in Bethlehem. All of the inns were full, in fact, earlier that evening, her father had had to turn away a couple because there were no more rooms. The young woman was clearly expecting, so her father had offered them the stable out back for shelter.


Off in the distance, I could make out the forms of Roman soldiers marching in formation declaring their allegiance to Caesar Augustus - the Roman ruler of the day. Once they were before us, their captain dismounted from his horse, climbed atop the city gate, and issued Caesar's decree: all the world was to be taxed. We were to register when we entered the city and pay our taxes as required. The guards took their roles seriously and with stern expressions, urged us to, "Move along!" They were not to be trifled with.




After registering, we continued into the 'city,' where we were amazed by the sights and sounds that overwhelmed our senses. Townspeople dressed in traditional garb, stirred large kettles of food that were suspended over open fires. Numerous stalls were erected, from which the Bethlehem merchants were selling their wares. The sounds of eastern music filled our ears. A selection of some of the foods of the day were on display and available to sample.




The shofar sounded, summoning the town's Jewish residents to the synagogue. The priest gave an explanation of the service and taught us a few sentences in Hebrew. He invited us to pick up a 'scroll' on the way out. As we carefully unrolled our scrolls, the words of Psalm 33:20-22 were visible, "Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee" (KJV).


As we descended the temple steps, townspeople with llamas and camels bustled by. The ever-present, Roman soldiers, hurried us on our way. Brick-masons, leather workers, and spice sellers were all busy about their tasks. We entered the heart of Bethlehem.

Another narrator told us the story of the anointing of the shepherd-boy, David, who eventually became the king of Israel. Ultimately, the Messiah would come from this Davidic line. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet had foretold, "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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).


After a tour of one of the local resident's home, we passed the inn. The innkeeper and his wife, although gracious, confirmed that their inn was full. As we continued on around back, we were met by quite a sight! Angels, robed in white, lit the sky while Mary and Joseph cradled baby Jesus, giving praise to the Father.


Each member of the cast who performed that night, had one goal in mind. To point all who passed through the gates of the recreated city of Bethlehem, to the reason for the season. Jesus Christ. As the angels proclaimed all those years ago, "...unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).


As you fill out your Christmas cards, purchase those final few gifts, and spend time with friends and family, will you take time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? Jesus Christ, the Savior, was born for you! That's definitely something worth celebrating!

www.BackToBethlehem.com

13 comments:

  1. I wish I could go there! This would feel like a trip to the Holy Land. I would love to be able to take my family there on Christmas Eve!

    It's so sad that so many nativity scenes have been replaced by blow-up snowmen.

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  2. Sounds like a great experience! Blessings! :)

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  3. It definitely feels like Christmas here, doesn't it, Maria? It's been so cold. I'm even listening to Christmas music and ejoying it--I know!

    Christmas plays/trails are always the best--next to Easter, of course. So fun. Sounds like the one you went to was awesome!

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  4. Sounds like loads of fun Maria! Though you got me with the angels robbed in white :D Isn't it robed? :) Of course, I had to be the one to point in out to you, because that's what friends are for! lol Love you! xo

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  5. Lily - It IS so encouraging to see displays that represent the true meaning of Christmas! Let me know it you're ever in GA in December - I'd love to take you there! :)God bless!

    Karen - It was fantastic!

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  6. Kristen - It does feel like Christmas! As it 'misted' on Saturday, I was thinking that snow might be a nice touch! Have you been to any 'Walk Throughs?'

    Ellie - You would pick up on my spelling goof!!! I couldn't help but laugh hysterically! Thanks, friend!! :) You're the best!

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  7. Hi Maria, it's feeling a lot like Christmas here too. The weather is hotting up more each day:)
    A few years ago we walked 'The Road to Bethlehem" here in Melbourne. What a humbling experience to visualize the atmosphere and beat of the fields and streets surrounding our Savior's birth.
    Thanks for another glimpse of that through your writing today!

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  8. Hi Maria -

    Thanks for the summary of the children's Christmas production. I've been glad to see bloggers celebrating the birth of Christ.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  9. Dorothy - Funny to think that your officially in the summer season there in Australia! "The Road to Bethlehem" sounds really neat. Blessings for a joyous Christmas!

    Susan - I've thoroughly enjoyed looking at different aspects of the Christmas story this year and blogging about them. It's helped to keep me focused on the Christ of Christmas! God bless!

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  10. We used to attend re-enactments like this, but there aren't any nearby anymore. Thanks for bringing back some great memories!

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  11. Jill - Glad the post brought back some happy memories for you! God bless!

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  12. Great post! My sermon this Sun will be on the Innkeeper. Wish I could do an re-enactment like this!

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  13. Warren - The re-enactment was phenomenal! Do you have anything like this in Kansas? Do you post your messages? I'd love to read it! God bless as you present your sermon!

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