Bethlehem

Friday evening we went to Bethehem. A committee got together and planned this wonderful Christmas party and I can't imagine anyone who went was not touched by the Spirit in one way or another. I wouldn't have missed it.

First, we had to sign the census. The head of the family could sign for the whole family and receive a small pouch of money to pay for food and taxes. Our family paid our taxes with canned food to go to a local food pantry.

In the cultural hall, they had set up 'booths' using tent coverings and trimmed in strings of little lights. One had glasses of punch. The biggest had all kinds of food. Chicken salad on pita bread. Bagels and cream cheese. Dried fruit. Cashews or almonds. Fresh pineapple. All kinds of cheeses. Olives. Crackers (like homemade) and humus. All the kinds of food you could have obtained in Bethlehem. And quite tasty as well.

There was a table where you could write your name in Hebrew. There was always a crowd gathered there. There was another with samples of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And a table with desserts. Pastries and Baklava.

Each family spread a blanket on the floor and ate their meal. When I turned toward the crowd I was amazed at how many people there were. The really fun part was that 95% of the people gathered were dressed like you would have been dressed in Bethlehem. That was wonderful to see. Some families had sewn their costumes. Others put together sheets, towels, scarves, and an assortment of items to look the part. It helped me feel we were all a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Our choir director told me they would be singing "His Hand is Stretched Out Still" for the closing of the program. She whispered things to me as she embraced me that made my heart soar. I was so glad to sing.

The program was very special. A Narrator told the Christmas story. There were Christmas carols to sing together and special musical numbers. One young boy played a solo piano while a sister played cello; it was beautifully full of the Spirit. Another child played a recorder.

A couple youth were dressed as Mary and Joseph and went around the room looking for a place to stay. Finally they wound up in the stable among the straw. The shepherds heard the angel's story and went to see the baby. The wise men came bearing their gifts.

The choir sung last and the words spoke to me of my search for faith and being lost and knowing that He is always there to reach His hand out to grab onto yours and help you up into the light.

I am so glad I was there to witness the Christmas story "first hand"....

I am so very grateful to every person who worked so hard to make this the special event that it was. The planning and preparation were worth it -- to this one lost soul at least. Thank you...