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Journey to Living Bethlehem

Opening night held Thursday. Program continues through Dec. 17.

Here are photos and a video from opening night of the Journey to Living Bethlehem program. Share your photos or video here by clicking on the "Upload Photos and Videos" button.

Here's further information provided by organizers:

Go back in time and walk through the village of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago to remember the true meaning of Christmas. This interactive live theatre production with over 100 actors present scenes from the story of the Nativity and the birth of Jesus Christ. Entering the town square the audience finds market stalls where period methods of pottery making, basket weaving and other skills are demonstrated. Ushered in by Roman Soldiers Mary and Joseph enter the town on a live donkey searching for a room. Meanwhile Magi sing and dance when, from the rooftop, the Angel Gabriel appears before the Shepherds and announces the arrival of the new-born son of God. Then they all proceed to the stable for the finale where everyone rejoices in our Lord’s birth and a choral finale by the St. Michaels chorus. The production is inter-faith, free to the public, starts at 6:30 p.m. and repeats every 30 minutes for five nights from Dec. 13-17. The event is adjacent to St. Michaels School at 345 Church Street, Livermore.

For more information visit the Living Bethlehem Facebook page.

elaine December 14, 2012 at 03:32 pm
I think we all needed Is something lke this to remind us what the Christmas holiday is all
l about ; making thanks to all who made this possible; a little kinder and gentler to each othekr. Thanks to all your time and effort.
Steve December 14, 2012 at 07:04 pm
OMG. Even a real camel with the magi. Kids will have warm Christmas memories.
Anonimo December 14, 2012 at 08:56 pm
I AGREE!!... WE ALL NEED THIS TO REMIND WHAT THE CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT.
LL December 15, 2012 at 03:00 am
The Living Bethlehem performers were wonderful. They all stayed in character and it was a fantastic performance from all the volunteers that made this all possible. It was most enjoyable.
Kat December 17, 2012 at 05:05 pm
Kat
Wonderful performance; however, PA system was unclear and the stage should have been higher for people to see. I am sure the logistics will get better each year. Great job though!!!
Mario Maya December 18, 2012 at 04:09 pm
Kudos to all that made this presentation possible!! It far exceeded my expectations for a "Living Nativity!" I wasn't prepared for the interactive theatrics of Roman Guards, exuberant shepherds and Angels appearing above the rooftops. The sets, actors and costumes were top notch. Cast members interacted and moved about the crowd. The kids loved seeing the camel that carried in the first of the three kings and petting the llamas, alpacas, goats and sheep. At the close we all sang Silent Night. It was very moving. I only wish that performances would have extended until Christmas!! (Maybe next year) If the production returns next year, tell your family and friends. Don’t’ miss it!
Living Bethlehem December 18, 2012 at 08:44 pm
Thank you everyone for all the positive and encouraging comments. We learned a lot our first year and are taking furious notes about improvements we can make for next years performance. The most important lesson we learned is how tempermental wireless mics and wireless speakers are in a 2-acre space with rain and puddles ... but everyone perservered and the show still went on. We are so grateful that our town and neighbors came out in droves and endured the weather to see our show and everything that went into it. All your lovely words and beautiful stories of how you enjoyed the evening with your families gives us all the faith we need to do this every year. Thank you for being a part of the creation of a whole new tradition - with your families and with our hometown. Merry Christmas to all and may you be blessed with health, peace and happiness in the New Year.
Terrie Gallagher December 19, 2012 at 01:53 am
OH it was so beautiful. So real. I cried! Doug, thank you! thank you! for responding to God's call! We are so grateful! Thank you to all who volunteered and stuck it out even in the rain. We were IN BETHLEHEM! Loved the Camel and the smelly :) sheep!
Chuck Harding December 19, 2012 at 06:19 pm
A final note - the attendance for all five nights was 11,406 in spite of the somewhat unpleasant weather. Having KPIX do the news report on the event certainly helped with attendance. And Mario, we will be at the same location next year at least. So come back and bring your friends!!

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Carol Wright June 19, 2013 at 10:17 am
Meeting is on Jun 20th.
Kathleen Schoening June 19, 2013 at 05:11 pm
You can also attend if you are part of the Neighborhood Watch. It was the Neighborhood Watch whoRead More negotiated having the Mayor come to the Springtown HOA meeting.
Nika Megino (Editor) June 17, 2013 at 10:59 am
Hi Christian! Sorry for the trouble! I've gone in and reapproved your posts. I did, however, deleteRead More the duplicates. Please let me know if you have any more trouble with posting, and again, sorry for the inconvenience with our Spambot!
Christian Holm June 17, 2013 at 04:04 pm
Thanks, Nika! I truly appreciate your efforts. I just wish the software would get fixed.
Bridget Carney June 15, 2013 at 10:10 pm
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DeAnna Senft McDaid June 14, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Thank you Cindy I'll give them a call. apprecitate you taking the time.
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Beatrice Karnes June 13, 2013 at 08:48 am
They are beautiful and you described them so well! I hope that someone steps forward quickly! (IRead More have my quota of cats already.)
TrueRealist June 12, 2013 at 06:35 pm
It isn't up to the gov. to help raise your kids. The stork didn't drop the kid off unexpectedly. IfRead More you can't afford kids then don't have them.
barbieann June 13, 2013 at 08:39 am
Wow, so quick to jump to conclusions and judge. Maybe T.G. BUYS the child's lunch. Every schoolRead More sells hot lunch every day. At the majority of our schools, more lunches are bought than given for free.
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