Night in Bethlehem returns to Oyen
By Joan Janzen
During the first weekend in December, the Oyen Ministerial will again invite guests to visit Bethlehem's streets. Since its inception in 2008, Oyen's Night in Bethlehem has become a favoured attraction for many visitors.
Andrea Shield said they didn't know what to expect the first time they hosted the event and hadn't anticipated the 500 people who came out the first night. "People come from Medicine Hat, Hanna, and Kindersley," she said. "One year, a group from Calgary came."
The popularity of their Night in Bethlehem was so exciting that they decided to make it a two-night affair. Andrea admitted that it's a lot of work, but they've learned a lot throughout the years. Consequently, this authentic live event has been held every second year since then, with the exception of 2021.
Visitors to Oyen who stroll through the streets of Bethlehem on December 1st and 2nd will walk back in time 2000 years ago where they’ll relive the birth of Christ and the atmosphere of that time period. These photos are from a Night in Bethlehem in 2015. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
It all began with an idea that was presented to the different churches. "It's one idea the churches could unite over," Andrea said. "Everyone gets involved; we all have our areas of expertise."
Families never know what they'll find as they stroll the streets of Bethlehem. They definitely will see the star of Bethlehem suspended in the star-studded sky in the Crossroads Centre as they make their way to meet the honoured guests, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
Instead of bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, guests are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food for the local food bank. Their gifts will help appease the tax collectors and census takers who greet them as they enter. There, they will be asked to sign the census, representing the census Mary and Joseph signed as they returned to the family's birthplace.
There will be livestock and other animals in the stable, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread emanating from the bakery, as well as a music store where children can make music shakers. They'll be greeted by someone dressed as a rabbi at a synagogue, and families can learn all about the star of Bethlehem as children assemble a star-related craft. And, of course, there will be lots of food and refreshments available while Roman soldiers mill about.
Fifteen years after the Night in Bethlehem first began, the churches in Oyen, Cereal, Acadia Valley and Alsask continue their collaborative effort. People from among thirty-one different communities continue to come to Oyen on the first weekend in December to stroll the streets of Bethlehem and be reminded of the reason for the season.
The lyrics "Bethlehem Beckons" aptly describe the theme of the weekend. "He started the whole world singing a song; the words and the music were there all along. What the song had to say was that love found a way. To start the world singing a song."