The Journey to Bethlehem

On Monday morning, we were all so excited, we didn't even do that much school even though Mom thought we could. But pretty soon it was time to meet everybody at the church. We met before the shepherds (the guests) got there. Matt picked up most of us kids and took us back to his house. Since the supper started at the Stollers (Nazareth), we had some time to play at the Knapps for awhile. We were pretty loud- it was so hard to be quiet, even though we tried. 

Once we all went to wherever we were supposed to go, Mom and Dad waited for the shepherds to arrive. They said it was very exciting when they did! When I saw them later, I was so surprised how dressed up they were. I didn't know who most of them were. I did recognize Quinn and didn't think he would be able to climb up into his tractor in those clothes. 

this is the program (created by the Stollers)

First they drove to Nazareth. Mary met them there. She helped serve them their first course. Gabriel jumped out and scared her with a bright light. He told her she was going to have a baby. Then the dads sang a beautiful song to her. Well, I guess it was beautiful but I wasn't there to hear it. Then Joseph came out and told her that they had to go to Bethlehem. She looked like she was going to have a baby by then. They ran out the back door. Then the shepherds were supposed to walk out the door when Kara said "safe travels." That was because Joseph and Mary were going to be walking past on a horse- a real horse that left a real "present" right on Kara's doormat, too. We didn't plan on the rain or Melinda's dead cell phone but it all turned out good, but of course, I didn't know until later because I wasn't there.

here's Mary 

About this time, Matt and the older girls brought us up to the garage to sing "No Reservation at the Inn." If you've never heard that song, you really need to because its one of my favorite Christmas songs now. So Joseph knocked on the door and asked if there was any way he could get a room for two weary travelers.

Marcus the inn keeper is waiting for the people to arrive.

Then Marcus started playing his guitar and Derek (who wasn't an angel anymore) played his mandolin and the garage door started going up and there we all were.

We stayed in the garage for a long time after that until it was time to go- actually I would have preferred more time because we were playing a really fun game. While we were in the garage, the shepherds got to eat, lamb and all! Kenan and Paige were little sheep and there were sheep noises coming from somewhere. 

Suddenly, the angels appeared and sang some pretty songs. They looked alot like real angels (although we don't really know what angels look like) but not quite as real as the angels at Sights and Sounds theater. Then we left to go to Bethlehem. We were going to climb out the Knapp's basement window so the shepherds didn't see us but we decided it was too muddy for that and the dads had us stay in the garage. I am very glad we got to climb out that window on Saturday - even the dads. While we were driving, the ladies sang "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow" to the shepherds and they got right up and followed.

So many things were going on now that I can't really tell it all straight. When we got to our garage, there were two little goats already there and a cow. And the baby!  (do you know who the mom and dad are?) He was wiggling a little and we were afraid he wouldn't last too much longer. Good thing Mom arrived soon and we said we need to do this now. Oh, I forgot to say that the very first thing we had to do was all get changed into our costumes. So then Mom ran in to tell the shepherds (they were waiting in the living room) that the Messiah was found and to come quickly. I couldn't see when they came out into the garage, but the lights were out except a little lantern in front of the stable.  I couldn't see because I was behind the background for the stable with the other two wise men (now you know what I was) and a whole lot of other things and people. Our garage was already starting to smell like a real stable, and yes, you really did need to watch where you stepped- and that's really hard to do when the lights are out. 

this picture doesn't show any of the real animals but it shows some of the fake ones

Dad turned on a spotlight right onto the stable and then the fake donkey, cow, and goat sang (or tried to) Away in a Manger and then in the second verse, we all joined in from our hidden places all over the garage. Every now and then the little goats would go "maa, maa" in the cutest way as they wandered around the stable. Baby Jesus didn't cry at all - just like he was supposed to. He was so still that the shepherds didn't know that he was real. Now comes the really exciting part- the three wise me (that's me and my buddies) came out from behind the backdrop (which was about to fall over) and sang "We Three Kings." Then we gave the Baby our gifts. THEN the shepherds came a little closer and discovered who the baby was. They said, "its OUR baby!!!"- well, the two grandma's did anyway. He slept through the whole thing. I think he will be able to ride with his dad in the combine for an entire field if he stays that good!

this is all the shepherds

behind the scene- we finally got to eat supper and I am so glad it wasn't lamb although I wouldn't mind trying it

reciting John 1:1-5 and 14 (Good job Seth :) )

Well, it was a wonderful day. I wish we could do it again. My favorite part was being a wise man- and it was great that we got to sing that song in the Sunday School Christmas program, too. -Jared

**Someday we will post videos, too (give me at least a year to accomplish that, please)- a special videographer got the whole thing for us so we can cherish the memory for days to come. Its hard to get the real effect with just pictures.

One of the reasons I really like this guy is when he breaks things, he fixes them :). How's your head, Drew?

 Our family is so grateful for the amazing opportunity to take part in a real to life journey to Bethlehem this Christmas season. It was so meaningful to be a part of acting out this most wonderful story of hope and promise. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!! -Kara