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‘Night in Bethlehem’ with live Nativity touches hearts in Oklahoma

2-night event allows more than 2,000 visitors to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas

From Dec. 6-7, friends and members of the Norman Oklahoma Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated a “Night in Bethlehem.”

More than 2,000 people participated, and the event was brought to life by more than 60 dedicated volunteers.

Norman Oklahoma Stake President Gary D. Nabors said, “We are so excited to have all of these people, all of our brothers and sisters, friends from the community to come with us and enjoy celebrating Christ’s birth. What a wonderful time of year it is to come together to find friendship and share our common beliefs in Jesus Christ together. We are thankful for the city of Norman and those in the surrounding areas to allow us this opportunity.”

Volunteers portray Joseph and Mary with the baby Jesus during the "Night in Bethlehem," held at the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Dec. 6-7, 2024.
Volunteers portray Joseph and Mary with the baby Jesus during the "Night in Bethlehem," held at the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Dec. 6-7, 2024. | Katee Bailey

The family and community-focused Christmas event was designed to help visitors reflect on the true meaning of the holiday: the birth and life of Jesus Christ, said Tra Chambers, who was called to be in charge of the event with his wife, Andrea Chambers.

The event featured a live Nativity, complete with actors and livestock, including camels, donkeys, sheep and goats. Guests were greeted by a volunteer portraying a Roman centurion, then explored a detailed marketplace with 14 interactive booths, offering activities inspired by the culture and traditions of Bethlehem during the time of Christ’s birth.

Tra Chambers said the goal was to create an immersive experience that transported visitors back in time and fostered a sense of reverence and connection to the Savior’s humble beginnings.

The grounds of the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center were transformed with 90,000 lights, “creating a warm and inviting atmosphere,” Chambers said.

The chapel was decorated with large wreaths and garland while 30 stake members and friends from other faiths played Christmas music on the piano or organ. And the Young Women room was decorated with large artificial Christmas trees and had tables with Nativities on display.

The collaboration and efforts of the volunteers made the event unforgettable, he explained.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with so many and to remind everyone of the true light of the season, Jesus Christ.”

A large oak tree is covered in lights on the grounds of the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center as people arrive for the "Night in Bethlehem" event Dec. 6-7, 2024.
A large oak tree is covered in lights on the grounds of the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center as people arrive for the "Night in Bethlehem" event Dec. 6-7, 2024. | Katee Bailey

The stake advertised the event in the local newspaper, radio and websites and through ads on social media. Two large and well-lit roadside signs on the stake property allowed others to find out more.

Norman City Mayor Larry Heikkala attended with his wife.

“It was a warm, family friendly, safe event to attend on a chilly evening,” Heikkala said. “The Night in Bethlehem was a wonderful experience for children and adults who celebrate the fulfillment of promises about our Lord.“

An older woman who only spoke Spanish had her daughter ask the volunteers portraying Mary and Joseph if she could take a picture seated between them. But after the picture was taken, the woman didn’t get up to leave for a moment and sat there with tears in her eyes. Her daughter translated for her, saying, “She feels the Spirit here and wants to say thank you for doing this.”

A friend of another faith left a comment saying, “I really enjoyed it. Great job. Your church family is so welcoming.”

Volunteers help with activities at the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center during the "Night in Bethlehem" event held Dec. 6-7, 2024.
Volunteers help with activities at the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center during the "Night in Bethlehem" event held Dec. 6-7, 2024. | Katee Bailey

A family who was invited by a friend from soccer wrote how impressed they were by the Nativity, calling it the best one they had been to. And a father wrote how much he and his children loved the camels — especially their soft noses.

Maria Kindel brought her sheep and goats for the live Nativity. “This has been amazing,” she said. “I’ve loved how many people have come through and they are enjoying the true spirit of Christmas. They are excited to see the live animals and it’s been fun for them to interact with our sheep and goats.”

Kindel said that a couple of her animals are regionally appropriate for the Middle East, allowing people to have a connection to ancient times and to the shepherds who saw the Christ child.

Randy M. Widdison, the second counselor in the stake presidency, said Latter-day Saints know that they love Jesus Christ, but people around Norman might not know that.

“One of the goals of Night in Bethlehem was to testify of the Savior, to let people know that we love Him and that we believe in Him and that though Him we can have peace, joy and hope,” President Widdison said. “It has been wonderful as we’ve talked to friends in the community and friends that have come from different cities that the common reaction has been, ‘I feel so good here. There’s a feeling of peace and comfort and I felt my Savior’s love tonight.‘”

Editor’s note: Katee Baily of the Norman Oklahoma Stake contributed to this report.

Signs are part of the decor on the grounds of the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center as people arrive for the "Night in Bethlehem" event Dec. 6-7, 2024.
Signs are part of the decor on the grounds of the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center as people arrive for the "Night in Bethlehem" event Dec. 6-7, 2024. | Katee Bailey
Visitors meet a camel at the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center during the "Night in Bethlehem" event held Dec. 6-7, 2024.
Visitors meet a camel at the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center during the "Night in Bethlehem" event held Dec. 6-7, 2024. | Katee Bailey
Nativities and Christmas trees are on display inside the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center during the "Night in Bethlehem" event held Dec. 6-7, 2024.
Nativities and Christmas trees are on display inside the Norman Oklahoma Stake Center during the "Night in Bethlehem" event held Dec. 6-7, 2024. | Katee Bailey
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