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Take a step back in time at Bethlehem Marketplace

First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, will hold its 29th annual Bethlehem Marketplace from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. The church's Fellowship Hall will be transformed into the marketplace of Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth.

For no admission charge, experience the excitement of this market featuring many ancient crafts, including baskets, candles, dreidels, leather, spice sachets and others. But this marketplace is unique - guests don't buy the crafts, they actually make them themselves.

Guests may buy bags of "Roman" coins for $6 or $9 (first hour, buy one at $9, get one ½ off) and exchange them for the fun of creating up to nine crafts found in first-century Bethlehem.

Children may also earn a little surprise for proving their Bible-times knowledge after reading several "culture posters."

Guests may also enjoy foods found in the Bible at the market's Rachel's Inn. For very nominal prices, feast on the popular lentil soup, flatbread and honey, fruit, dates, olives, cheese, hummus and chips, dried meat, dried fruit and more.

The highlights of the day are the live Nativities at 11 a.m. and 12:30 and 2 p.m. Visitors watch as the wise men enter the marketplace seeking the newborn king. They listen as King Herod interrogates them for the baby's whereabouts. Then everyone follows the men as they search and find the lowly stable illuminated by a bright star.

The story of the birth of Jesus is then narrated while the setting comes to life as travelers honor the baby Jesus. Singing favorite hymns follows, after which guests may also approach to honor the Lord Savior.

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Shepherds and angels honor the newborn king during a previous live Nativity at First United Methodist Church in Palatine. The live Nativity will once again be held in conjunction with the 29th annual Bethlehem Marketplace at 11 a.m. and 12:30 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Courtesy of Brian Huff
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