After two weeks of work, the fellowship hall at the Pensacola Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints allowed members and friends to step back in time to experience a night in old Bethlehem.
A Proclamation
A proclamation was issued inviting all to appear for a census and taxation. Everyone was encouraged to arrive dressed in biblical attire and sign the census before entering the city. “Merchants” set up booths throughout the city where visitors were able to “purchase” items of clothing, gifts, food and drink. (Note: Each person, upon signing the census, received a bag of coins to use for their purchases.) They were free to wander the city and buy what they wanted. But they needed to remember that the tax collector would be around to collect before the night was over.
No room at the Inn
As the evening proceeded, a young couple, wandered through the night in old Bethlehem, looking for a place at the Inn. Some people wanted to give up their seat to the heavily expectant young woman, until they remembered they were not supposed to …
City visitors wandered from booth to booth enjoying the bread, fruit and vegetables, roasted meat and drinks. They also enjoyed visiting the gift shop for games, cards and gifts of the Magi.
Songs and musical numbers entertained as everyone awaited an angelic proclamation to shepherds. Then those shepherds traveled into the city in search of a new born king. They found him in a manger being watched over by a lot of animals that looked vaguely like little children.
Shepherds and wise men visited that lowly stable to be a part of the Christmas miracle – The celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Step back with us into a night in old Bethlehem … Experience a special event – a holy night – when Christ was born.
A Night in Old Bethlehem
