We were uncertain if it would be able to happen on the day that they had chosen, because of the weather. That was the Friday that it snowed. However, as the afternoon went on and the weather stayed clearish they decided to go ahead with the plans. It ended up that it was just very cold -- which we think actually kept the crowds down some.
Main Street Bethlehem is a reenactment of the city Bethlehem during the time of the census taken when Jesus was born. It is put on by one of the churches in Bertram (Main Street Baptist, I think, hence the name), and I was overwhelmed by their work. They had started out in just temporary buildings, but the attraction has built up so much that they now have a permanent structure downtown for their reenacting.
People from the church dress up period style. Throughout the exhibit there are various shops and houses, displaying how things would be done in a Jewish town during that period, and through the streets march Roman soldiers to keep things in control. Right at the front we found a blazing fire which was quite appreciated.
People were not the only ones reenacting: there were plenty of animals as well! I guess they didn't really care about it, though...
One of my favorite exhibits was the pottery building, where a couple of ladies were molding clay pots on wheels that they turned with their feet. I can imagine their hands were very cold, handling that wet clay.
I don't think most of us had realized how cute camels are, with their long eye lashes. :-)
Gretchen and Reagan would probably have liked to make off with this abandoned chariot -- but unfortunately there was no horse power.
"Natives" couldn't get through the town without being questioned by the tax-collector. If you didn't present yourself, you could be sure that a Roman soldier would find out!
After wandering through all the streets, visiting the bakery, talking with the shepherds (who kept getting thrown into jail for disturbing the peace), and trying in vain to find an empty room in the inn, we were finally led to the exit by a star hanging over a cave-like room that held three people: a father, a mother, and a little baby. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: the Savior has come into the world!
In the hallway on the way out there are many verses printed on poster boards, proclaiming the Scriptures and prophecies that foretold the coming Messiah and the work that He was to do. Once we were all the way out, we were greeted by people giving out hot chocolate and cookies to warm frozen toes and fingers.
It was indeed a very cold night, but what an experience it was!
"For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel." Luke 2:30-32
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