"A NIght In Bethlehem"

Well, I have to say it was a success! It was a fun night! We had our ward all come dressed in Biblical attire. We met in the chapel for an opening song & prayer, then we had a Roman soldier (all in costume) march in and read the Decree from Caesar Augustus calling everyone to be taxed. Afterwards everyone went into the cultural hall where we had the whole thing decorated like a market place. The lights were all dimmed, and we had white Christmas lights strung everywhere, even across the ceiling to look like stars. We had a Pita market, a fruit stand, a dairy market with cheese and olives, a well, a toy shop where we sold dreidels, and a gift shop where gold, frankincense and myrrh were sold. Everyone had a little money bag with coins to spend in the market. We also had a tax collector gathering taxes from each family. We decorated with lots of trees, pottery, baskets, rugs and blankets. We also had some neat flute music in the background that added to the "mood." After about an hour in the market the families gathered on the blankets they had brought and we had a really neat program. We had ward members participate as the Wisemen, Shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the Angel. It was all narrated mixed with church hymns that everyone sang. The animals were made by a great friend on our committee (thanks Suzanne)! We're talking a life-size camel, donkey and sheep! They were awesome! All the costumes looked awesome and everything went perfectly as planned!!! Thanks to my committee, and husband.....we pulled it off! They were WONDERFUL! It's amazing how it can take 8 hours to set up and only 30 minutes to take down!

Anyways.....It was a great night, and the spirit was definitely felt! Now onto the next thing....I need to finish my Christmas shopping and get ready for the big day....only 9 more days!!