Celebrating Jesus' birth - by Sue Campbell

Halloween has come and gone, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and right after that it will be time to begin the Advent season.  While it may seem like we’re trying to rush right into Christmas, it truly is the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ as the songs say.  One of the highlights of our Children’s Ministry year is the annual celebration we call:  Night in Bethlehem. 

This will be our 9th year and everyone is invited to come on December 4th from 5:00-7:00pm.  We’ll begin with Christmas songs sung by our Kids Praise groups – 4 & 5 year olds and 1st - 4th graders, followed by a puppet performance by some of the middle school students. Then, the rest of the evening is spent in our version of the town of Bethlehem. 

The Bible records that Bethlehem was crowded with people, including Mary and Joseph, who were required to register in their hometown for the Roman census.  Well, our Redeemer Church building has been crowded as well!  So, this year, we’re excited to expand the outskirts of Bethlehem from our gym and lobby areas to other parts of the church building. There will be tents and tables with lots of crafts for the kids to make, snacks to eat and a photo area with biblical costumes and props for taking family pictures.

Sometimes the reason we celebrate Christmas gets lost in the busyness.  Night in Bethlehem is a great opportunity to join family, friends and neighbors in celebrating Jesus’ birth.  Hope to see you all here!