Imagine if the birth of Jesus Christ had been a televised news event.
Members of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ brought that idea to life Sunday as they presented a Christmas play entitled ‘Live from Bethlehem,? directed by Kathy Wieland.
Reporters from the ‘Bethlehem Broadcasting System? began their story with coverage of Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus? census and all the people returning to Bethlehem for the ancient world’s big count.
Commercials for Kwik Kleen Kamel Kleener (a ‘pleasant smelling lotion? for ‘your camel’s skin?) and McBethlehem’s (with a menu that included Tax Taters, Star of Wonder Shake and Kids Manger Meal) added comic relief to the live broadcast.
Interviews with the innkeeper who had no room for Joseph and Mary and the three Magi following the Star of Bethlehem led BBS reporters to the manger where the baby Jesus was born.
‘Well, that’s the story from the stable . . . Although I don’t think the story ends here,? said reporter Jacob played by Jeff Donaldson.
Immanuel Congregational UCC will hold its Christmas Eve service (with pew communion) at 7 p.m. and its Christmas Day service at 11 a.m. Come as you are.