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 As I write this article, we are in the process of building The Bethlehem Experience and later this week it will be taking place. As I think about it, I am amazed at what has happened in the last 10-11 years. This is the tenth year of The Bethlehem
Experience but it took more than a year to begin construction, thus it is really our 11th year. I remember when the first discussions were had about having an experience for people to live that night in which our Savior was born. I had no idea it would become what it has and be used by God.

The Bethlehem Experience is something that has impacted so many, including our church. It has required so many people to make it work over these ten years. As I watch, the construction and preparation I am so thankful for each of you who are willing to serve. I recently talked to someone at another church, who shared their disheartening feeling trying to accomplish something at their church. They were so depressed that the church refused to participate, not because they did not agree to have it, they were just not interested in being a part.

The Bethlehem Experience makes me so thankful for our church. You have so many things you could be doing, so many things you could be investing in, and yet you are willing to give to it. If you have never taken part I hope this year you will consider it- (but do it quickly-it’s almost over!) Those of you that have, I hope you are blessed by it. This is our church sharing the Gospel to people who may never visit a church. As a preacher, as a person who grew up all of his life in church, it is hard to believe some people don’t know the Christmas story. So I hope we can share it with them.

As they enter they see faces who are glad they have come. As they go through Bethlehem, they find that people 2000 years ago faced many of the same struggles we do now. These are people trying to provide for their families, who worked hard and tried to live the best they could. I think that those seeing, touching, tasting, hearing and experiencing can leave a lasting impression on one of any age. As they leave the FLC they can see the shepherds, angel and finally the manger with Jesus. As you take part in the story, I hope it will also have an effect on you.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to
him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

I think being in the roles of Bethlehem gives us a special sense of that night. The little town of Bethlehem was busy and completely unaware that the greatest event in human history is taking place right amongst them. This Christmas I hope you don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays rob you from the real experience of Christmas. Let the excitement of the story, not be lost. The people in the story were just that - people. People who were ordinary and God used them extraordinarily.

So as we get ready for Christmas, let Bethlehem remind you of the greatest gift ever given!

In Christ,
Brother Alan

 Not long ago, I read that during World War I, soldiers on both sides paused their fighting on Christmas Eve to sing carols across the trenches. In the middle of fear, mud, and uncertainty, the sound of “Silent Night” carried hope into a place that seemed hopeless. Isn’t it amazing how the story of Christ’s birth has always had the power to break into darkness with light?

There are times when life feels heavy. Bills stack up, grief leaves an empty chair at the table, loneliness creeps in even when we’re surrounded by people, and sometimes our prayers feel like they’re bouncing back unanswered. Hopelessness has a way of sneaking in and convincing us that nothing will ever change. But then I think about the manger. On a dark night, in a world desperate for rescue, joy broke through. Not a fragile joy that fades when circumstances shift, but a joy so radiant it lit up the heavens and sent angels singing. The manger is God’s answer to hopelessness—His presence, His promise, His peace.

That joy isn’t just a story from long ago. It’s for us today. When despair says, “It’s over,” the manger declares, “Hope has come.” When sorrow whispers, “You are alone,” the manger shouts, “Emmanuel—God is with us.” When fear insists, “Tomorrow is uncertain,” the manger proclaims, “The Savior has already secured your future.” So let me ask you: where do you feel hopelessness pressing in right now? And how might the joy of Jesus, born in a manger, break through that darkness with light?

This is the joy we’ll celebrate together in our Christmas cantata, Hope in a Manger, on December 6 and 7. I’d love for you to bring your family, invite your friends, and join us as we lift our voices in worship to the One who brings joy that cannot be shaken. My prayer for you this Christmas is simple: that the joy of the manger would meet you right where life feels heavy.

If you’re walking through hard days, may you remember that Jesus came into the middle of our mess to bring light, peace, and hope that nothing can take away. Isaiah says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). That light is Jesus. And because He came, we don’t have to stay in the dark. So may His hope steady your heart, may His joy lift your spirit, and may His presence remind you that you are never alone.

Much Love,

Tyler