Bethlehem comes to Westlake

STEP BACK IN TIME-Members and friends of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village breathe life into the annual Bethlehem experience, a drive-through re-creation of the ancient town at the time of the first Christmas. Here, villagers haggle over the price of a goat. For two magical nights before Christmas, the firstcentury village of Bethlehem will come to life when the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church transforms their campus into a lifelike recreation of the place where Christ was born.

Authentic sets, theatrical lighting, a vast collection of props and over 100 members and friends of the congregation in period costumes transport visitors back in time.

There are live goats, sheep, donkeys and camels wandering the village street while the aroma of food cooking over open fire pits fills the air. Traditional Hebrew music plays in the bustling marketplace as the villagers haggle over their purchases and spread the word about the rumored arrival of a new king.

The community is invited to step back in time as they drive through The Bethlehem Experience which will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 9 and from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 10.

The event is free.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is at 32111 Watergate Road, Westlake Village. For more information, call (818) 889-1491 or (805) 496-2394 or visit www.gotoBethlehem.com.