December 22, 2010 Ward Christmas Party "Back to Bethlehem"

We all met in the old church down in Provo. It was a rainy night, Rita drove and we had a hard time finding a parking place. We walked through the bits of snow while it rained on us. We were told what to expect after an opening prayer and a song. There was two Wards at a time visiting outside in the Tents where it all was. way to many people. We make our way out.











Inside the tent we were greeted by a Roman Sanitarian Soldier a friend of the Preece family Aaron Sorensen. A man stirring up something, and a man giving out crust of bread.
























Then we came upon this cute little beggar boy that had pieces of wood in his bowl. And a women writing scrip and a workman making eating utensils.

























They had a nice hot drink of Hot Chocolate for everyone to warm us up on this cold night.























A table of candles were lite, we were to take one with us as we went out side later to see the Nativity scene and Sheppard with their sheep. I'm still enjoying my hot drink.

































A little girl had this basket on her head, walking around, when I took her picture she had it in our hands. The Kings were milling around.









This couple had dressed in the clothes of the period, many people did.




The girl below had rich piece of cloths to sell, like in a market place.




Here was a lady making pottery bowl like you would see in those days around Bethlehem.
















The Annoucement was made by Historian, that we
must be on the look out for Mary and Joseph, of course they wouldn't be looking for them in Jerusalem when they originaly came into Bethlehem to pay their taxes. But tonight it was announced to be on the look out for them.





Sure enough it wasn't long when Joseph showed up with Mary on a real donkey. He was asking for a place to stay, of course there was no place, so they were directed to an area where the cattle were keep, they could take their annimal there and camp down with them.











The Centarian was asking the people here if they knew of any rooms.







Here is Mary on the donkey, Joseph was up on the platform pleading for a room.







Jospeh has his arm around Mary, and the Centarian is telling them where to go.







So Joseph helps Mary back upon the donkey and out they went.







We were all invited at that time to pick up one of the candles and head out side. It was still raining a little. You can see the group was large, as we were standing clear over on this side.



Here is one of Sheppards tending his sheep, with a fire going.






More of the crowd, see the snow on the ground, so you know it was cold.

As we stood there there was a light and we looked and saw an Angel above us, you can make him out as he has his arm extended, and he gave us the message that the Savior of the world had been born and we would see him. As we made our way around, each one of us was able to go up close to the Navity tent and view baby Jesus. There were little children in the loft above. Mary and Joseph show off baby Jesus below.





The Sheppard bid us all, a Merry Christmas. It was a beautiful evening and well worth our time, and the cold evening.