A very special night!
A night (or three) where Westerville Christian Church is transformed into the small town of Bethlehem, and a very special baby is born to the virgin Mary and her betrothed, Joseph.
This event has been one of my absolute favorites since my boys were small. We started out coming to A Night in Bethlehem as a family, as “travelers” of the little town. We enjoyed the shops, the animals, the activities, and the crafts; but the best part hands-down was taking them through the Inn and the cave where we would see Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. The boys would want to wait until the end of our evening to see baby Jesus. Encapsulating the importance of the night in one reverent, moving journey through the “cave.” I can’t tell you the number of times their reactions brought tears to my eyes. No matter how they were acting in the shop area, they just knew inherently that this place was special. It was a place where they knew not to act up, a place to be still, a place to feel the presence of Jesus. A place I could feel the impact of Jesus’ life on the earth and in their little lives. It was special in so many ways, and I cherished all of the memories we made walking through Bethlehem.
As they grew up, our interactions with A Night in Bethlehem morphed but never took a break.
We served as shopkeepers together for many years, and now that they are 18 and (almost) 15, we still serve as a family, only now they play characters in the town with their friends. The emotions those small children brought to my mama’s heart way back when still emerge when I see them as shepherds, leading travelers to see Jesus. A role that someone else played in their lives leading them to the baby Jesus not too many years ago. At first, I was sad that my experience with Bethlehem had changed so much and was now restricted to serving rather than experiencing it through the wonder of my small children. But now I realize, this stage may be even better! They still bring tears to my eyes, but now it is because I get to witness them show other children the excitement and wonder that they experienced as kids as they now guide other children to the Christ Child - born on a very special night - in a very special town - to a world that needed a very special Savior.
I guess what I am saying here is, that no matter how you experience A Night in Bethlehem, be it traveler, shopkeeper, or character, it is impactful.
If you have never been to A Night in Bethlehem, please, make this a part of your Christmas this year. You won’t regret the fun, excitement, wonder, and reverence your children will experience during your visit to “old Bethlehem.” If you have been here before and you think there is nothing new to see, please, come and see how the Spirit moves in this place year after year. And if you find yourself in a place where I am, and your kids are grown and are too old to travel through A Night in Bethlehem, then get involved as a family somehow. Our roster for this year is full, but next year, consider volunteering during one of the three nights, you can volunteer during work nights, or you can pray as a family for the travelers who will be walking through Bethlehem’s streets this year. Pray that they will be impacted by their time here and that Jesus will move in their hearts and lives in a way only He is able.
It’s not too late to register for A Night in Bethlehem on November 30 and December 1. You can also register for A Night in Bethlehem Adaptive on November 29, for families with exceptional needs.