Enjoy three beautiful outdoor scenes set in ancient Bethlehem with biblical characters, inspiring music, and recorded narration from the scriptures. Your journey along wheelchair accessible paths and ramps will take approximately 30 minutes. When your journey is complete, enjoy some free hot chocolate and tour the beautiful grounds of the Temple.
Scene 1 - Bethlehem
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”
Luke 2:1-6
Arrive at the bustling marketplace and watch citizens and travelers as they buy and trade goods, play children’s games, and get ready for the day to come.
Each citizen must pay taxes to Rome. The soldiers, guards, and tax collectors will make sure all payment is swift and orderly.
Scene 2 - Shepherds
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger”
Luke 2:8-12
The fields surrounding Bethlehem were home to numerous flocks of sheep. The shepherds would have stayed up most of the night laboring beneath the crystal sky of the desert plateau.
Jesus Christ is “the Lamb of God” and “the Good Shepherd”. He is the greatest, who made himself least; the heavenly Shepherd who became a lamb.
Scene 3 - the Stable
“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, good will toward men. And the shepherds came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæ . . .behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. And when they saw the young child with Mary his mother, they fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Luke 2:13-14, 16 • Mark 2:1,11