Journey to Bethlehem Guide - First Methodist Church MHC

Scene One - Welcome to Nazareth

The journey to Bethlehem begins in Nazareth, where Mary and Joseph are living during their engagement.

Scene Two - Gabriel Visits Mary

Mary, a young woman engaged to Joseph, has her life interrupted by an angelic messenger named Gabriel. This scene takes us to Mary's house, as Mary is going about her daily chores and hanging laundry up to dry.

Scene Three - Joseph's Dream

The Angel of God brings a message to Joseph in a dream concerning the birth of Christ. This scene takes us into his carpenter's shop where he might have fallen asleep on a cot. Joseph was upset and confused by the events that were happening.

Scene Four - Roman Census

A census is decreed and the young couple must travel to Bethlehem because Joseph belonged to the line of David. They must make the journey to Bethlehem together, even though Mary was great with child.

Scene Five - No Room

Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem only to find that there is no room for them to stay in a guest room of a friend or relative. Because hospitality was important to the people in their culture, a solution is offered and Mary and Joseph are allowed to stay with the animals instead of out on the street.

Scene Six - Good News

This scene takes us to the shepherds who were abiding in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. When suddenly, breaking through the darkness, the glory of the Lord shone around them and angels deliver the good news to the most humble recipients.

Scene Seven - Follow the Star

This scene takes us on a journey with the magi (wise men) as they follow the star to find the Messiah.

Scene Eight - The Palace

This scene takes us inside Herod's palace where he sits on his throne, plotting how he will find and kill the baby who is born to be king. The Magi go home by a different way, so to avoid telling Herod where the baby could be found.

Scene Nine - Emmanuel

Emmanuel. God with us. This scene takes us to the stable as we see the holy family and the animals gathered around the manger.