By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Have you ever wanted to step back in time to see what life was like in Bethlehem when Mary gave birth to baby Jesus? You can this year, and it will not cost you a dime.

South Shelby Baptist Church invites you to “A Walk through Bethlehem” on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6-8, from 6-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9, from 3:30-8:30 p.m. located at 19140 Alabama 145, Shelby.

I took my family last year with my small grandchildren, and it was the highlight of our Christmas activities. We loved this family friendly, interactive play that took us back in time to Bethlehem.

It was a cold night so we dressed warm.

The pastor greeted us in the fellowship hall where we had snacks: hot chocolate, homemade cookies and a candy cane that explained the Christain history of the candy.

All were given a gift to keep,  a Christmas ornament that told the meaning of Christ and his life given for us.

Our guide “Ibrahim” led our family into Bethlehem first giving us a Roman coin to pay our census tax as we walked through the gates. Fires were burning throughout the town for warmth and cooking. Merchants showed us their wares: fish, flowers, baskets and pottery. Women made bread, and we got a taste. We saw Roman guards capture some thieves.

Our family saw Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in a stable. An angel choir will sing this year to celebrate his birth. The tour ends with a powerful display representing Jesus’ resurrection shown by the three crosses at the crucifixion and empty tomb. The entire experience was extremely spiritual, inspiring as well as educational.

This is the third year the entire church has produced this fabulous production led by Pastor Tom Minor and Head Deacon Ron Howard. Last year approximately 1,200 people attended this now annual tradition. If you have a large group, please call the church to be scheduled at 669-2099.

Go and be blessed as you step back in time. We were and plan to be again this year!

 

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by email at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.