Emmanuel Lutheran Church hosts A Night in Bethlehem
COSHOCTON – Every other year, Emmanuel Lutheran Church brings the town of Bethlehem to life with their event, A Night in Bethlehem. Approximately 25 people are involved in transforming the church’s fellowship hall into the daily lives of the people of Bethlehem including the census taker, a Jewish home, mill worker, bakery, jewelry shop, music shop, toy shop, a sandal maker, marketplace, perfume shop, mosaic shop, weaver shop, and then ending at the stable complete with live sheep.
Along the way, people were invited to taste some authentic Jewish food and make crafts at some of the various places. People were cautioned by the census taker, Pastor Bryan Kittner, to beware the tax collector and others begging for money. Plastic coins were given to each participant so they could pay the tax collector and offer some to the beggars if they chose. Of course, people also had to be wary of the Roman soldier going his rounds around the village.
“This is our gift to the community,” said Kittner. “A lot of effort and time goes into this and we try to make everything as realistic as possible. This is just to bring it to life and they learn a little bit of the history of what it was like back then. The greatest gift is the birth of our Savior. He is for everyone.”
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Faith, Photo Galleries
