Bethlehem

Welcome to Bethlehem! Situated on the grounds of Santa Clara Baptist Church - Bethlehem is an impressive outreach to the Silicon Valley. It's just right down the street ... but it takes you back to the time of Jesus to tell the Good News.















We get excited every November when they start 'assembling' Bethlehem. It takes an army of volunteers to create and perform. There is even a family just down the street from us that participates every year. In fact, this year their daughter is Mary!

The story starts as you enter the gates to the city amid the centurions and others that are present to participate in the census. The city teams with people - visitors and actors. It's fun because all the actors stay in character throughout. They yell at you to 'move away' and to 'make way' and especially to 'pay your taxes'! It's very authentic.















Here's a picture of one part of the city.. over by the Inns before things really start to happen. The next one is of the ruler of the centurions screaming at the citizens from the top of the city wall.















Then, Mary and Joseph make their way into the city with Mary riding on a donkey. Slowly they make their way through the city and to one of the Inns.



















At this first Inn there is no room and they move on through the city in hopes of finding a place to stay. As you know - eventually they find the only space available.. in the stable of an inn.



















As they settle in.. the shepherds are keeping watch in their fields outside the city walls when all of a sudden.. the Angle of the Lord appears wishing them tidings and telling them of the birth of the Savior! It's impressive how high in the air the angel (who is a live human who speaks and sings a song up there) appears! It's a very spectacular moment.



















Then the scene shifts back to the manger where Mary and Joseph welcome the Savior of the World to their humble setting.















Next come the shepherds and Magi to visit the babe in the manger. The Kings arrive in spendor. One of them on the back of a Camel - in regal robes! It's pretty spectacular and the baby camel that is also present at the show is so cute!



















Finally, all have arrived and they worship Jesus singing my absolute favorite Christmas hymn.. O Holy Night (the same woman sings it every year and I love her voice!).















It is an impressive presentation of the gospel and a great way to remember the meaning of this glorious season. I am thankful to the church for the huge effort they undertake to help us all enjoy the joy of Christmas!