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Those who attended the “Bethlehem Boulevard Live Nativity” event at the Apostolic Faith Church in Roseburg, Oregon, December 2-4 were greeted with, “Take a journey back in time, over two thousand years ago!” The church building was transformed to emulate the bustling streets of Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth, and the tour began with refreshments and a warm welcome from church members dressed as Jewish townspeople.
Census Taker with
Roman Soldiers
Visitors were assigned to a tribe of Israel, and were led by a tour guide through the streets of Bethlehem in search of the Christ Child. The first stop was the census taker’s table, where they were required to pay taxes from the coins they had received, as well as sign the registry and give allegiance to Caesar. They were warned that a Roman soldier could arrest them if they did not do what the census taker commanded.
Women at the Well
Next was a well where some of the Jewish women were gathered. They spoke of their daily trips to the well to collect water, and directed the group to search in the city for the Child. After the well, they stopped at the home of a Jewish family, where the visitors learned about their daily tasks and home life. When asked if they had seen a couple named Mary and Joseph passing that way, the family recommended inquiring at the synagogue.
Jewish Family
At the synagogue, the visitors learned that it was a gathering place for meetings and schooling, and that each male Jewish child was expected to begin learning the Scriptures by the age of six. The group also heard a number of Old Testament Scriptures prophesying the coming of a Savior.
From the synagogue, they traveled to the marketplace, which was bustling with live music, sellers shouting out the prices of their goods, and buyers bartering for what they wanted to purchase. Visitors were warned to watch out for the thief who frequented the marketplace. They soon observed that the thief never got too far before he was captured by a Roman soldier and dragged away. A potter’s shop was located near the marketplace area, signifying the importance of this tradesman’s role in making vessels for storage, as well as carrying water and lights. The potter introduced his young apprentice, who was molding a lump of clay, and explained how people are like clay in God’s hands, and how He can restore a broken life into a beautiful vessel. The tour group was then told to visit the shepherds in the search for the Christ Child.
Shepherds
As the visitors traveled outside, they saw live sheep with shepherds huddled around a fire, and witnessed the angels telling the shepherds about the birth of the Savior. The shepherds were amazed by this proclamation and hurried off to Dothan’s Inn, which they knew had a stable and a manger. The tour group then heard the innkeeper affirm that it had been a very busy night and there were no more rooms left. He told of the young couple he sent to the stable, and the huge star that lit up the night sky! As the innkeeper led the visitors to the stable, they finally found Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus lying in the manger. The tour guide ran and knelt by the manger, proclaiming that the Savior had been born! As the visitors sat on benches in front of the stable, they heard Mary and Joseph tell how the angel had visited them, announcing that Mary would carry the Savior of the world. A young girl then sang “Welcome to Our World” to the Baby Jesus. The tour ended at a six-foot cross which stood nearby as a reminder that Baby Jesus would one day die on a cross for the sins of mankind. Just as they had searched throughout Bethlehem that night, the visitors were encouraged to search their hearts and invite Jesus in if they had not yet done so.
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The event was a great outreach to the Roseburg community to share the exciting news of the Savior’s birth. Many worked together to make sure this weekend had an impact on all who attended. From covering the church walls with brown paper painted to look like mud brick, to cutting palm leaves and draping them from the beams leading to the inn, each scene was carefully and uniquely staged to make everyone feel that they had stepped back in time. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and several visitors returned bringing friends. It was truly an inspiring weekend for everyone involved!