Christmas comes alive at Bethlehem Church Dec. 7-8

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in West Dundee will present "Bethlehem Christmas Live!" from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8.

Travel through Bethlehem as the first Christmas comes to life through live performances on free, 30-minute guided outdoor walking tours that portray events before, during and after the birth of Christ.

The outdoor playlets in the churchyard will feature members of the congregation in costume on sets with sound effects and lighting.

The performances will include:

• "An Angel Appears to Mary," where Mary learns from Gabriel that she will be the mother of Jesus;

• "No Room at the Inn," when Joseph and Mary hear they will have no place to stay for Jesus' birth;

• "Shepherds Hear the Good News" as frightened, excited shepherds learn of the birth of Jesus;

• "The Shepherds' Visit," with shepherds becoming the Holy Family's first visitors;

• "The Three Kings Visit" features distant leaders bringing gifts to the young Jesus;

• "Today's Savior" features a modern-day teenage girl who is being verbally bullied has an interaction with the adult Jesus.

Guides will assemble small groups prior to beginning each outdoor experience. Dress for winter weather.

Indoor activities like crafts and cookie decorating will be offered and refreshments will be served. Take your own photos with Santa and Bethlehem's comfort dogs, Noah and Luke.

Check in at the Fourth Street side entrance to the red brick church, 401 W Main St. in West Dundee.

For more information about Bethlehem Lutheran Church and its activities, call (847) 426-7311 or visit bethlehemdundee.org.