Night in Bethlehem

We had the most amazing ward Christmas Party Friday night. My activities committee and I put on a "Night in Bethlehem". It was so neat. We invited everyone to dress as citizens of Bethlehem, giving them handouts and "in person" demonstrations on how to make a quick costume. I couldn't believe it. At least 95% of the people there were in costume. Some just wore their bathrobes, which was perfectly fine with me. I just knew that if they would put a little effort into it, they would get a lot more out of it. And that is exactly what happened.

We had the ward come (by decree of Caesar Augustus) to be counted and taxed. They paid their taxes with canned goods that were donated to the food bank. In exchange for their taxes, they were given a bag of Roman gold coins with which to buy their dinner in the open marketplace. Everyone brought a blanket to sit on for their family. The menu consisted of chicken salad flat bread sandwiches, salad, focaccia bread with hummus and spinach/artichoke dips, dried fruits, clementines, and spice cake for dessert. They were also able to buy a dreidel game with instructions and playing pieces that they played right their on the floor. I can not tell you how neat it was to look out and see everyone dressed up and together. It warmed my heart immensely.

While dinner was winding down, we prepared for our Nativity program. We had a narrator who got everyone's attention while Joseph and Mary made their way through the crowd. The program was so beautiful, with some gorgeous songs. My sister, Courtney and her husband David were Mary and Joseph, and it was neat because my ward members did not know who they were, so they were just "Mary and Joseph" to them. And of course, they have amazing singing voices, so it was just so wonderful to hear the songs sung so beautifully! The program focused on Christ's birth, but also ventured over to the Americas where the people of Zarahemla were awaiting his birth, also. It was a very spiritual night and touched so many people. I can't tell you how many people thanked us for doing something besides ham and Santa Claus. Some people even asked if we could make this a new tradition. Hmmm. Not a bad idea.

As soon as I figure out how to upload video from my new camcorder, I will post the program for any of you who are hardcore enough to sit and watch it!