Rejoice! Thank you for coming!
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 Thank you for coming to the Drive-Thru Nativity. Have a blessed and merry Christmas!
Manger
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:15-19 (NIV)
The Bethlehem Inn
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7
The Town of Bethlehem
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me, the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2
Shepherds
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
Fishing Shop & Marketplace
Enter into the excitement of the small town of Bethlehem. Meet the people, smell the smells. No one was prepared for what was to happen that night. Just like in our day, when Jesus Christ enters into your world, nothing is ever the same.
Roman Soldiers
At the time of the birth of Jesus, the Roman Empire occupied ancient Israel. For most of the population, it meant brutal, authoritarian rule. At the same time, those days seemed to be when the prophets foretold that there would come a King, a Messiah, a Savior of the nation. Many believed this new king would overthrow the power of Rome, but God had another plan. The Savior of the World was to come in the humblest of ways. On this night, he would come as a tiny baby and show us the heart of God.
Carpenter Shop
Even centuries ago, tradesman made a living by providing for essential home needs. Joseph was a carpenter by trade and likely, Jesus also worked as a carpenter. We find it important that Jesus did not choose an easy road to walk on Earth. He knew hard work and pain, and likely the satisfaction of a job well done.
Blacksmiths
Welcome to the Bethlehem Blacksmiths, the best in town!
KOJ
Welcome to the Kampground of Judea! We are getting closer to the gates of Bethlehem, but we still have a ways to go. Need to rest? Put up your tent and stay warm by the fire!
