Night in Bethlehem--True meaning of Chist(mas)

My favorite celebration to commemorate is the Birth of Jesus Christ. This year I did something different for my annual 'Christmas' family party. I have to admit that we have had many get together activities this last year, from our Family Reunion with everyone here topped our summer to our celebration in late October with the Heritage party.

It just felt right to do a special adult party with all the grown children. Matt and Beth came for the holidays and it seemed like a good opportunity to have them be a part of it. I was able to get reservations for 15 people for the Night in Bethlehem held in Provo. It was about the third time I had been. I had gone before with friends but really had the impression to have us go as part of this year's holiday festivity. I did it for a two fold purpose. One, so the adults could see what it was like and take it all in as couples. The other was so that they would want to make it part of their own tradition to take their own children next time.

This activity is something one has to experience for themselves. I am touched by the sweetness and the kindness of the hosts of this activity. It is done voluntarily and everyone dresses up and gives their all to make it a success. I took Aislyn and Ella since Aaron and Candice had another commitment with his work. Hank, Lori, Tara, Russ, Tana, Nathan, Matt, Beth, Cole and Ethan were able to attend.

I especially enjoyed the scene with Mary, Joseph and the Christ child. The players were all dressed in costumes of 2007 years ago, the live animals--sheep added to the realization.

The music, harps included was also key in the portrayal of the angels singing and brought a sweet spirit that touched my heart. I felt like I was watching the real thing. The reverence for this re-enactment uplifted my soul and made me sensitive to the love our Savior has for all of us. I bear my testimony that I know the Savior came into the world the same as we mortals, through an earthly mother, yet he had a Heavenly Father through the condescension of God. And he became the Savior of the world to atone for our sins.

We met at the house afterwards and had a sumptuous meal, with tender juicy turkey baked in a paper bag, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach salad, stuffing and gravy, raw veggie tray, appetizers and cranberry, grape with peach juice drink. We enjoyed one another's company and had a great time and exchanged gifts at the end. I really can say I enjoyed myself seeing each of you participate and have a good time together.

Thank you each and all for coming and making it so unique and fun, even if we didn't have dessert after all-- Lori brought two pumpkin pies we didn't eat!! Somehow it didn't matter that we skipped dessert and some took pie home for later.

And tomorrow is a new day--only three days until Christmas.