One Night in Bethlehem

Yay for the beginning of the Christmas season!!!

Here in Lisbon, this weekend took us back in time to...Bethlehem...and the events surrounding the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

This was a massive undertaking for Elder and Sister Seibold. They worked for over three months planning, preparing, and directing the event. 

You never really know how something will turn out - especially in a foreign country where it has never been done before - but - wow - their efforts really paid off.

Over 300 people attended the musical concert and tour. I'm sure it was also a great missionary tool, as well.

While the guests enjoyed their concert in the chapel, we were busy in the kitchen and cultural hall getting the refreshments ready.

(We are ready when they come through those doors!)

-The Tour-

Small groups of guests were then taken to four rooms where they were told the story of the night of the Savior's birth.

(All in Portuguese, of course. So, it's a good thing that I already knew the story.)

In the first room three shepherds told about seeing  angels and going into Bethlehem to find the Baby Jesus.

Next, the wise men related their experience with King Herod and their subsequent visit to the Christ child.

The innkeeper and his wife were visited next. They told about the compassion they had for Mary and Joseph, and how bad they felt that they were only able to offer a stable.

And then we came to Mary and Joseph. They described their experience and feelings regarding this miraculous birth of the baby Jesus. 

A choir of 'angelic' angels sang the exciting news.

The cast and musical numbers included about 75 people. And then there were the missionaries and members who participated behind the scenes with set-up, costumes, rehearsals, cookie making, and clean-up.

This might also be a good time to introduce President and Sister Barcellos, the Portugal Lisbon mission president and his wife. They are Brazilian but were living in Orlando, Florida when called. 

They are full of energy and enthusiasm, and are well loved by their missionaries. 

And speaking of missionaries...

Every sixth Tuesday is the mission transfer day. On that day new missionaries also arrive. This last week the mission had a tsunami - 39 new missionaries came in one lump. They were on four separate flights - two from the United States, one from England, and one from Brazil. 

I bet it was an amazing site at the airport - 😂.

Anyway, fortunately, all of the flights were on time and there was no lost luggage.

Since only eight missionaries completed their mission and returned home, the mission numbers increased substantially. Now over half the mission is in training!

And there you have it. 

The first week of December is "in the books".