Bach to Bethlehem!

Sunday night, after going to a wonderful baby shower for some friends we headed Back to Bethlehem with some of our dearest friends. It was so much fun to visit Bethlehem as we are celebrating Advent each night!
We went to here last year since this church is literally 1 mile from our home. We met our friends the Folsom's there and though it was COLD, we had a great time! Here the kids stop at the gate and see the guards and the fire lit torches...it was cool! We also were given some yummy hot cider which we drinking to warm up a little.

We all had to sign in for the census! It was a great way to get the names of those who attended and to see how many people were coming through.

They had lots of fun games for the kids to play.

We watched a potter mold some beautiful pieces right in front of us. It reminded me how I am the clay and God is my potter. It was really neat!

We had to pay our taxes in Bethlehem and get the "mark." Centurions walked around all night and asked to see the "mark" to make sure the taxes were paid. They kids thought that was pretty cool!

We also went to the temple and heard all about Jewish tradition and celebration. It was very informative and I learned a few things I didn't know! It was cool to hear our kids answering the questions...they know a lot!

Then we headed over to the scribe and the kids got a little scroll with a verse from Isaiah about the coming King of kings!

Lastly, we watched the nativity story of Jesus' birth. It was so cold and I couldn't believe they had a LIVE baby! I was floored. But, it was a beautiful thing to watch as people came to worship Christ the Lord.

Paula and I looked like bank robbers all night in the cold! Brrrr. it was chilly!

The kids were escorted out of Bethlehem...just kidding! This centurion was leading us all out as it was time for the place to close down for the night. So, we got to take a quick photo with him. He was a hoot! You can see that he has my girls tied up!

It was a great night and a wonderful time with friends! It was also a reminder of why we celebrate and what it must have been like that night in Bethlehem. We got just a glimpse of where and how Jesus' birth may have looked. It wasn't filled with glitter, bows, shopping malls, or credit cards...it was a simple night like any other night. Yet, it was the night that brought peace on earth and goodwill to men from God! Awesome...Joy to the World!