A Walk Through Bethlehem

Today we took to a local church who hosted a Walk Through Bethlehem. We had the best time. The church had transformed their yard and halls into the city of Bethlehem.

As soon as you arrived you were greeted with wealthy women sharing their gold shekels with you. We were luckily and were given lost of coins to shop and pay our taxes with. Then we walked through the city gates and we had to sign the census scrolls to register our attendance and pay our taxes. Arden got in to the spirit of things and even signed her name as best she could.

There were towns people walking around, Roman centurions and soldiers walking around and standing guard. They had pit fires to keep warm and shops set up all around. Arden headed straight for the donkeys that were in a pen. Beside the donkeys there was a camel.

After watching the animals we walked over to the jewelry store where Arden purchased a green beaded necklace that she picked out herself. We headed over the the meat market where they had live chickens in the cages. Upon seeing the chickens Arden started flapping her arms and yelling "bak-bak". It was so funny and cute at the same time.

We headed over to the candle shop where she then purchased a very small handmade candle and had a great time picking out which one she wanted.

Beside the candle maker was a pen of sheep and goats. The sheep were males and had their horns. They were pretty cool. One of the sheep decided to go to the bathroom while we were there and Arden proceeded to sign to Dave and I what he was doing. We understood the subtlety in what she was telling us. Now if she would only be consistent in telling us but that's another story.

We then headed inside where they had the city set up with lights to represent the stars and dark skies. There were all kinds of shops and markets. Arden purchased some wool, clay pots, tried to by some leather sandals but they did not have any in her size. She purchased some grapes and wine and then took a tour of a typical house in Bethlehem. Lastly, she decided to see if there was any room in the inn but unfortunately all of the rooms were taken.

After checking in at the inn we headed out to the stable to see if there was room for us there we found the LORD Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes being held by his mother. There were angles singing, wise men watching and goats, sheep, llamas and a small horse.

Arden was taken in by the sight. She became still where she had been running around before. She walked up to manager to put some coins down but as soon as she got up there she turned around and yelled back to me "There's no baby". She was looking in the manger but missed the baby on his mother's lap. Once she found the baby she was not shy walking up to see the baby. The rest of the children stood back but my child wanted to see this baby up close and personal.

After seeing the baby Jesus she did something that she told me that she would not do. She pet the horse and feed the llamas. I couldn't believe it. As the day went on she became more and more brave.

It was a great afternoon and will be definitely be a family tradition for us. Here are some of the pictures from the day.

Arden checking out the donkeys.

Arden trying to figure out the camel. It was great for her to finally see a camel up close. I've read stories to her with pictures of a camels in them but she keeps thinking they were horses. Now she knows they are camels.

Getting brave and watching the camel with out Dave or I holding her.

Checking out the chickens.

Arden demonstrating what a chicken sounds and acts like.

Arden checking out the sheep.

Arden and Dave shopping for some fine pottery.

Arden petting the horse which on the way to the event she told us that she did not want to touch the animals.

Arden at the manger looking for baby Jesus.