Wednesday December 10, 2014

Saturday afternoon my daughter and her three sons traveled the hour from ‘Almost West Virginia’ to visit.  They shared their Santa photo with me and I was excited to see them dressed in their best!

After watching Snoopy Christmas Tales DVD, we bundled up and went over to the Word of Life Church to see their production of ‘Return to Bethlehem.’  We were greeted at the door by a display of wealth, compared to that which the wise men may have carried on their journey.

The journey to Bethlehem was amazing – we visited the people traveling to pay their taxes; we saw the shepherds in the fields, huddled around a warm fire, watching their very noisy sheep.  We listened while the three kings spoke to Herod, seeking the birthplace of the baby King.  Then we walked the crowded streets of Bethlehem, talking to the merchants and hearing of the couple who had arrived the night before, the young woman being great with child.

The boys were wide-eyed with wonder as the Roman soldiers moved the crowd along, and humbly paid their taxes with the shekel they had been given earlier.  But the best and most amazing sight was the stable, complete with live animals, where Joseph, Mary, and the new baby sat snuggled in the hay.  The baby slept peaceably against his mother’s chest, his tiny fist clutched against her cloak.  It was all very moving and impressive, and Peyton, Logan, and Chase loved every realistic moment.

We walked back to the car, past the spotlight that cast the bright star into the heavens (Chase insisted it was a spotlight; I insisted it was a star!).  Crosby the camel stood serenely, greeting guests and munching on hay.  We had a great time there, traveling to another time, another land.  To see their faces focused on the bustle of the city and the drama of the presentation was the highlight of my holiday to date.  I recommend that if you have not already done so, next December check out the Word of Life on Route 136 in Hempfield Township.  It’s the first weekend of the month and is well worth the trip.

Merry Christmas!