An Evening in Bethlehem

Once again, for just one night, the Bonneville Glen reached its highest and best use as the setting for the 4th annual live nativity. And once again, it was the highlight of the season. A steady stream of visitors began shortly before 6:00 p.m. and continued until past 9:00 p.m. on a cold (23 degrees) and clear winter evening.

The village entrance was guarded by Roman centurions, the mayor greeted visitors in the village square, and there was a constant bustle of activity around the fires in the village as visitors and residents alike warmed themselves, enjoyed hot cider, and ate fresh bread with honey-butter.

But the real event took place out beyond the camel corral. A short walk along the half-frozen stream brought visitors to a small stable which housed a little family and their donkey on this cold night. Shepherds watched their flocks by night and wise men from the East came to pay honor to the little babe. Families, some with tears in their eyes, stood in silence for several minutes just taking in the scene.

The Bonneville Stake was joined this year by our new friends at First Baptist Church (the one across from America's most famous high school) who served on the committee, provided several actors, and provided hundreds of luminarias along the trails. Our Lady of Lourdes parish and Wasatch Presbyterian also provided help and distributed flyers to their congregations. The final attendance statistics are not yet in, but by all accounts it was a great success - a steady stream of visitors but not overwhelming.

Having a wonderful time; wish you were here!