One Special, Holy Night

For the past couple of years, I have been hearing of a local live nativity in the area. I keep wanting to go, but it only runs for three days (Friday, Saturday, and Monday) at the beginning of December and I missed it each year. Since I was being very "on top" of things this year, I had created a holiday calendar a month or so in advance and was able to find out the dates. I am soooooo glad I did! It has to be one of my favorite things we have done for Christmas in a long time. It was close to our house, totally free, and really, really special.

It was a very chilly night when we went, but that really only made it even better. We drove to a church parking lot, where we were then transported to the farm via hayride in a horse carrier. This family had recreated Bethlehem as it must have been at the time of Christ's birth. We wandered through Roman centurians, shepherds watching their flocks, camels and donkeys, citizens of Bethlehem playing games and working wood or making bread, and finally found our way to a sacred stable. There we found Mary, Joseph, and the tiny Christ child. Outside, women were singing carols above us to symbolize the angels that were there on that first Christmas night.

As the children reverently approached the small family, I heard Hannah gasp. She had thought the baby was a doll, until he stretched a little. He was so tiny, a true newborn. All the kids could feel that special, sacred feeling. Since that time, we have been able to better talk to the children (especially the youngest kids) about what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph and the sweet baby. What a wonderful experience!

After we finished visiting the manger, they provided FREE hot chocolate for everyone. It was so much fun. On the little card that they give out to explain how they started doing this, the family tells a sweet story of a little boy who came through with his family. After they were finished, he asked his mom, "How come every year we go to see Santa, but this is the first time we have been to see Jesus?" I am so glad that we were able to "go see Jesus" this year. :)

Happy sisters, excited to be on our way!

We were very bundled up for our big adventure

We made it to the farm!

As we made our way to Bethlehem, we stopped to visit with this Roman tax collector. Caleb was VERY nervous about everything. He was not interested in petting the animals and really preferred to be carried whenever possible. Bekah, on the other hand, could hardly be contained! She wanted to run everywhere and touch everything she possibly could. :)

We all tasted unleavened bread for the first time. We had mixed reviews from the kiddos.

Bekah checkin' out the wool spun from the sheepies

Shepherds watching their flocks by night didn't mind if we stopped by to pet their little lambs.

A couple of wise guys (Ammon and Joe) visit with a camel brought by the wise men. :)

We were all amazed to think that Mary rode on a donkey like this one while she was "great with child."

We finally made it to the stable, where we found Mary and Joseph and the babe, lying in a manger.

After we visited the baby, we started to leave. Bekah grabbed my hand and said, "Baby! Baby!" and dragged me back to see Him again. It was so sweet.
Enjoying our hot chocolate on a very cold winter's night

Melt my heart

The hot chocolate was...well...hot! LOL. Bekah took one sip and then Joe couldn't convince her to try it again.

And, yes, I really was there too! I can't wait to make this an annual tradition. What a special night. :)