Journey to Bethlehem

I learned an important life lesson at this event two years ago…
I had brought my family and was immediately impressed with all the many ways we could spend our «sheckles». My kids made a brick, had their names written in hebrew, and several other neat activities. What was interesting was that you sometimes needed something from another booth to complete an activity. For example, you can make a candle, but if you want to make a candle holder you need to go to another booth (at the far end of Bethlehem).
Well, we were running out of time and I had mapped everything out so I had JUST enough time to do one more activity, then see the baby Jesus on our way out. I spotted some wooden beads and thought a bracelet would be a great way for the kids to remember our special day in Bethlehem. Problem was that the leather strips for the bracelet needed to be purchased on the opposite side of the city… and we were almost out of time. I made the choice to pursue the bracelet, and we ran at top speed to get our strips, rushed the kids through the bead selection process, and ran to see the baby Jesus.
And he was gone… No baby, no Mary/​Joseph, no animals. Just an empty stable. My kids didn’t know any better — but looking at the brick, candle & bracelet, they didn’t seem quite as special as they did originally. I had missed the point… big time.
I really hope they do this activity again. Partly for the neat activities, but also so I can redeem myself. I’d like to go again… earlier in the day. And we will see the baby Jesus FIRST.
* I think about this experience often during the holidays. And remind myself that I need to make time for Jesus in my own life (and not get so caught up in the things of the world). It also makes me wonder whether I would have followed Him had I lived during his day. It’s easy to say that I would, but it makes me wonder.
** Sidenote: I really loved how the Roman Soldiers would «beat up» people who tried to preach about a «new king». They were all actors of course, but my kids didn’t know that and were horrified to see their lifeless bodies dragged outside the gate. Needless to say, they were on their best behavior ;-)

It truly is a very nice experience! You MUST go and see what a beautiful job this church does with the whole experience. Its awesome!

= WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE =
JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM is such an awesome experience for both adults and kids as you get an opportunity to travel back in time and experience how life was like 2000+ years ago. This is a FREE event which included a cast of hundreds of people.
= SHECKLES = Each individual entering the event are given sheckles, and they can choose to use it the way they like it. Whether on food or games. I usually save my sheckles for the delicious baklava in the vendor sections
= PETTING FARM =
The highlight is probably the camel near the entrance, but don’t forget about the sheeps, donkey and chickens also.
= MUST SEE PERFORMANCE =
Make sure you line up to see Baby Jesus :)
I have attended both 2011 & 2012’s production, and was really disappointed when they canceled 2013’s. Hopefully, they can bring this production back in 2014 because this is the perfect event to spread the gospel and let other know what Christmas is really all about.

Okay, so I’m almost a year late in reviewing this event. I got busy, okay! But in doing a search for when we’d go back in a few weeks, I saw it is cancelled this year:(
Too expensive to produce? Too time consuming? Probably yes for both. This free to the public event is huge and must take on massive manpower.
Basically, the church backlot is transformed into Bethlehem, circa year 0. Even if you are a nonbeliever, it is so cool to attend.
We received «money» on our way in, which is used to exchange for various foods and activities. We tried samples of food, such as hummus, grapes, and olives. People were dressed in typical clothing, speaking with British/​Bethlehemian accents, playing oooooold school games, storytelling and putting our kids to work, such as making mud bricks. And there were animals to see and touch, like chickens, donkeys, and CAMELS!!! WTF awesome…
And so much more.
It’s part living history, part Renaissance Fair, Jerusalem style. If Journey to Bethlehem is back on next year, I’ll be sure to attend with my family. A must see for the holidays :)

During the holidays this FREE event is a must see. Go early, or right at the end, as the line can get long. Once you are inside, you are handed sheckles which you use to buy food, visit the petting zoo, buy crafts and, the main event — see baby Jesus! My kids love that part. The event is run by volunteers who all really get into it and make it a wonderful experience. They also have an angel choir. It’s great holiday fun, whether or not you are religious :)

Went last night with niece’s kids age 4 — 8. Wonder in their eyes as they experience making clay pots, spending «sheckels» on bracelets, games, food; talking to people of Bethlehem, petting animals, etc, etc. And it’s all FREE. Incredible experience! Very popular — come early.

This is such a fun and inspiring event. Our family attends every year, and we bring friends. Everyone loves it. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. And it’s free!

Each December, Journey of Faith creates Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive, hands-​on experience for you to walk through the city of Bethlehem during the time of Christ’s birth. We present a representation of the birth-​place of Jesus Christ, complete with a cast of hundreds of townsfolk, live animals, music, dancing, wares, trades to try, a petting farm for children and a visit from the angels proclaiming the birth of our Savior. Come and visit our town, get your hands dirty with the potter, plane some wood with the carpenter, check into the inn and visit the stable where Mary and Joseph cuddle their new baby Jesus.
Talk with the wisemen and see their camel, taste authentic food served in biblical times, and watch the story of Christ’s birth unfold before your very eyes. For more information about this amazing family-​friendly experience, please visit
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