Oh Little town of Bethlehem

Last night we went to Bethleham Revisited. One of the local Methodist Churches has a live renactment of Bethleham. We stood in line for at least 45 minutes before we got to go inside. The whole time we were in line roman Soilders were walking back and forth hurassing people. Once we were allowed inside the city gates the "Tax collector" talked to us and told us the oldest male member of the family had to sign the census. After that we walked into the outside of the temple were on of the Temple Priests talked to us. After that section we went into the Bethlehem marketplace. They had all kinds of shops set up selling things that would've been sold at Christ's time. There were live animals, fresh baked bread, a real olive press, candles, perfume, jewelry, tents, etc. They had a little home that you could look into through the window to see how they lived. One room for a whole family! After the market place we went to see the inn keeper who told us that his inn was so full he had to turn away a woman that was great with child. We then went around a corner and there they had a stable, complete with animals and a little family. The baby looked to only be a month old. There were angels standing in the background and a huge star above the manger. Needless to say it was beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes to see that little family sitting there surrounded by donkeys and sheep. Seeing it really makes it hit home that our Savior was born in such humble surroundings. That the King of Kings was born in a stable. It was a wonderful experience and it truly brought the true spirit of Christmas. It's to often that the true meaning of Christmas is forgotten in the hustle and bustle of shopping. I know I'm going to take a little more time to make sure Eric and Lily understand why we have Christmas.