Bethlehem Street Live!

I realised I had arrived at Bethlehem Street when I was met by a Roman guard on duty. He looked outstanding, with his dark skin illuminating the red and gold of his uniform. What would come next?

I soon discovered it was my turn to dress up.

As were all good travellers to Bethlehem I was then stamped, counted and entered on the census.

I was now allowed in and there to greet me was a centurion, pronouncing the benefits of Roman rule. But was it all so good? Not so for the slaves and the servants.

A little further on I roamed to experience a taste of unleavened bread from the baker's shop, a date at the tiller's shop. I could pull at the bellows and strike the anvil under the supervision of the blacksmith. I learnt for the first time that different wood had different smells in the carpenter's shop. Would Jesus have learnt this when he was a small boy being taught by Joseph?

The aroma of spices and perfumes filled the air. The scribe was busy copying texts and even transcribed my name. I heard the Rabbi forecast the coming of a king? Where would this be?

Back past the weavers and the basket shop, down the road and out the back I was led. And yes, there with the goats, the sheep and donkeys and dare I say ferrets, were the young parents with their little baby boy, just as the ancient writings forecast.

These were some of my experiences at Bethlehem in Snug, and we sang with joy at the birth of the baby.

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