‘A Night in Bethlehem’ to be held on Dec. 1

“A Night in Bethlehem,” an ecumenical celebration of the holiday, will be held from 4 to 8 p.m.  Friday, Dec. 1, at the Our Lady of the Lakes Parish Center, 306 Butler St., Random Lake.

The event will showcase the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth.

Participants include members of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish of Random Lake, Zion United Methodist Church of Batavia, St. John United Church of Christ of Random Lake and St. Paul Lutheran Church of Random Lake.

“A Night in Bethlehem” has been organized by Julie Binder, and planning began more than a year ago.

The event is part of Random Lake’s “Night of Lights” celebration on Dec. 1.

Santa will appear at the Random Lake Historical Museum, and living Nativity presentations will be held at 6 and 7 p.m. at Jacoby Park.

Other family activities will be held at Lakeview Community Library.

A marketplace will feature the commerce of the day with a spice tent, baker’s tent, pottery, fabric makers and a carpenter, and a school will be in session.

“Watch carefully for shepherds and the foreign wise men as they search out the Baby Jesus,” Binder said. “You might meet a Roman soldier as you gather to sign the census, as Mary and Joseph did more than 2,000 years ago. See the aged rabbi at the temple as the elders come to pray and study.”

There will be a free-will offering to defray the expenses.

Free parking will be available.

For more information, contact Julie Bemis at (920) 889-1223 or email infullbloomwi@gmail.com.