Come to Bethlehem...and See     

   December 8, 9, & 10; 7:00-9:00pm

Step back in time and experience Bethlehem.      

             

 

The "City of Bethlehem" under construction
Come experience Bethlehem as it may have been more than 2,000 years ago through a live interactive experience encompassing more than 100 volunteers as Cason United Methodist Church presents "Come to Bethlehem...and See.
 
Visitors will feel as if they have been transported to biblical Bethlehem on the night of the first Christmas.  Performers in authentic dress and language interact with visitors as they wind through an open-air village.
 
Each building is built by hand, creating a huge marketplace in the church's west field.
 
For the moment, guests step out of their cars -- or "shiny horseless carriages" -- the action begins as shepherds talk excitedly while cooking dinner over an open fire.  The wise men pass following the light of the North star.
 
   
Before entering the 8-foot walls that surround the Bethlehem marketplace, visitors will be commanded by the census-taker to sign the census scroll.  Roman soldiers yell, grumble and intimidate the crowd.  Aided by torchlight, visitors explore the maze-like city, smelling the herbs, fish, fresh bread and leather in the market.  The street musicians fill the air with music.  Shopkeepers peddle their goods.  Beggars ask visitors for a spare shekel.
 
Near the outskirts of the marketplace, an innkeeper approaches visitors telling them about a stable nearby with a young couple and their baby.  Visitors will leave the noisy, chaotic marketplace to find angels and a live nativity, with sheep, goats, and a donkey, peacefully hidden within the walls of Bethlehem.
 
As guests exit the town, live music and cookies await in the hospitality tent.  The entire event is free; although donations are accepted.
 
 
The ministry is made possible through donations and volunteers from Cason United Methodist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and School, other local houses of worship, and individuals in the community.
 
For more information about attending or supporting this event, call 561-276-5302.