A TON of work went into our 'Night in Bethlehem' activity at church. Thank goodness I had nothing to do with it or our annual Christmas party would have been popcorn and a Muppet movie. (I don't do complicated...) But I did, however, get to be the photographer. That's just what I want to be!!
The gym was a courtyard of booths, each with it's own specialty. You could learn to make pottery, candles, jewelry. You could sample ancient (yet fresh) foods. There was even a toy shop! Everyone was draped in cloth, robes, sheets... We were a handsome bunch. I looked like my linen closet just puked on me, but hey, I was behind the camera...
It was a lively crowd with laughter, games, visiting, and even a little tax-collecting. But when 'night' came a reverent hush fell over us as we waited for Mary and Joseph.
We watched the innkeeper reject them and the wisemen (3 ten-yr-olds, so cute) gather. The kings brought their gifts and we all sang 'Silent Night'.
Weeks ago I saw a fascinating documentary about the photographers of the White House. I remember the comment from Pete-something (the photo-guy on 9-11) who said it wasn't until he was home that night that the magnitude of what had transpired truly hit him. 'The camera', he said, 'works as an emotional buffer.' In my own little way, I know what he was talking about because there was a moment when I took a break from the weight of my camera and almost immediately felt a sudden rush of sweet emotion. The room was full of people I care about and we were all there to celebrate the life of Christ. Oh now I'm getting blubbery.
Christmas makes me mushy...
5 comments:
WOW! That is quite an activity! It looks beautiful...but I agree with you, I would never have gone to that much trouble! It looks really fun, though!
Well, you got me a little blubbery too! That looks so amazing and sweet. What a neat thing to experience! And yay to the people that went to all that work!
We had an activity like that a couple of years ago. I didn't appreciate it enough, as it felt like a Primary activity. Your's is the attitude to have.
Wow, that is an amazing amount of work! Kudos to whoever put that together! I love the picture of Mary and Joseph at the manger.
your pictures are amazing! ezra and jon commented about how the picture of mary and joseph looks like a painting in a store or something. awsome job! i want your set up :)
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