Bethlehem Walk

On Saturday we took Claire to a Bethlehem Walk. We heard about it on the news and wanted to check it out. We were really thankful to have gotten there early, because the line was crazy long! Anyway, the whole set up for the event was really impressive. And it was FREE! They just asked for donations to Edmonton's Food Bank. We took three cans of food, and at the end we wished we had brought the whole pantry...our contribution just didn't seem to be enough.

We were ushered into a big room where we were told what to expect and what to do in case of a fire. Then, a shepherd came and led us into another room, which was supposed to be outside of Bethlehem. Claire was excited because there were sheep!

Suddenly, angels flew in and announced the birth of baby Jesus!

Then, we went through the city gate into Bethlehem. It was just like you would imagine a bustling marketplace in those days. Claire really enjoyed the generosity of the "townspeople." By the end she had a piece of leather and soap and had eaten a bisuit and lentil soup. The soup was really good!

Roman soilders...

A Bethlehem petting zoo?

Claire got to pet a bunny. I love those soft, cute bunnies!

Okay, so you know I HAD to ask the innkeeper....I just couldn't resist...so I said, "do you have any room in the inn?" I just wanted to hear him say that the inn was full!

Proof that there was no room in the inn.

We then went outside to the stable. I have to admit that when Claire looked at the baby and said, "hi Jesus" it was an emotional moment for me. "Joseph" said, "Jesus has been waiting for you to come so he could see you!" So sweet....

The real reason to celebrate Christmas!

I couldn't leave out the llamas!

Then, we went back into the church and were led in groups of 8 to a table to eat cookies and drink hot chocolate. There were carolers too!

Guess who loved the cookies?

This was the perfect activity to get us in the "CHRISTmas mood!" Merry Christmas everyone!