'Shalom! Welcome to Bethlehem'

Click on the slideshow and video above for highlights from Bethlehem A.D. 

There was a seasonally-appropriate chill in the air on this winter solstice night, as pilgrims (visitors) patiently waited their turn to enter the gates of an ancient village for one of the Bay Area's most time-honored Christmas traditions----Bethlehem A.D. 

Bethlehem A.D. ,also known as the "Living Nativity" brings the experience of that first Christmas to the corner of Middlefield Road and Cassia for three glorious nights, Dec. 21-23 from 6-9:30 p.m.

Volunteers, some of whom you may know from modern life, take part in the production, playing the parts of shepherds, village people, angels, Roman centurions, Wise Men, and, of course, the headliners---Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.

The live animals are also a big part of the production---where would the three Wise Men be without their camels? Or the shepherds without a flock to tend? The gentle beasts roam the village greeted visitors who came to witness the story of Christ's birth in the city of Bethlehem. 

The free production will continue Monday nights from 6-9:30 p.m. Click here for details.

Click on the slideshow and video above for highlights from Bethlehem A.D.