10th Anniversary of “A Night in Bethlehem”
By Heather White
Have you ever spent a night in Bethlehem? In September 2008, members of the Oyen Ministerial Association and several enthusiastic volunteers gathered to discuss how the real reason for Christmas being celebrated worldwide for two millennia could be shared with many people, young and old, from Oyen and the surrounding communities. The result was “A Night in Bethlehem,” a production to be performed for the 10th time at the Oyen Crossroads Centre on December 5–6, 2025.
FILE PHOTO
Over the years, volunteers from Oyen, Acadia Valley, Cereal, New Brigden, Esther, Sibbald, and Empress have spent many hours building structures and scenery, making costumes and props, or dressing up in character to tell the story of the first Christmas. Several hundred travellers from this area and other points in Alberta or farther afield have enjoyed participating in the experience of visiting “Bethlehem.”
Guided by a bright-shining star, visitors will once again find the Crossroads Centre transformed into a busy Bethlehem street under a star-lit sky, over 2,000 years ago. A Census Taker will ask travellers to sign the census roll before they enter the little town. All visitors will receive a Bethlehem Passport – if you visit all the venues, you will earn a special memento of your night in Bethlehem.
In the street, busy storekeepers will be eager to invite everyone to their booths, to try their hands at creating a variety of craft items, while Roman soldiers keep the crowds in order. People should be wary of the demanding Tax Collector and keep a watchful eye on the camel that roams the streets. Shepherds will excitedly tell of the events that have occurred in the town: Caesar’s census, the bright star, and the birth of a special baby.
Situated at the end of the street is a stable occupied by the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. These major characters in the Christmas story have been played by many young families in the past nine productions. It is hard to believe that our first “Jesus” babies are in their final high school year. Two or more local babies born in 2025 will also be able to later claim having played the Christ Child.
Live animals—cows, sheep, and perhaps a donkey—are lodged near the stable and are always firm favourites with the young visitors. Other characters that have been encountered in the past are the Innkeeper, Rabbi, a beggar, musicians, and Bethlehem citizens. Who will be met this year?
Bethlehem Town Square is a great place to meet and greet neighbours and reconnect with old friends around the refreshment tables, where one can enjoy a hot drink and delicious cookies and muffins. Admission and refreshments are free; however, visitors are invited to make Food Bank donations of cash or food items. Contributions from past productions have amounted to several thousand dollars toward this important cause.
Many volunteers, since 2008, have made this event such a successful Christmas tradition in Oyen. Bethlehem comes alive on alternate years, and on December 5–6 this year, we once again look forward to welcoming everyone to “A Night in Bethlehem” to experience the true meaning of Christmas.
See you there!