One Starry Night provided trip back to Bethlehem

Dec 26

One Starry Night returned to Oasis Seventh Day Adventist Church Dec. 2 and 3 after an absence of two years due to the Covid pandemic. The last program was in 2019.

The main sanctuary was turned into a replica of the city of Bethlehem during the time of the birth of Jesus. The event is one of the most attended events in Portland during the Christmas season with an estimated 500 people attending this year. Jan Mayer and Rita Taylor co-chaired the event.

When guests arrived, they were given the opportunity to make a small loaf of bread, which was baked while they were touring the city. Visitors were also given “gold” coins to pay the tax collectors.

The live Nativity Scene was the first thing the guests visited. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were in the stable with a bright star shining overhead. There were live animals for the children to feed and pet, as the birth of Jesus became very alive for visitors.

“The best part for me was watching the kids standing reverently in front of the manger,” Taylor said.

The children enjoyed the many booths in the village. They had the opportunity to work in a carpentry shop, visit the marketplace and create crafts in the metal crafting booth and fish market. The stone masonry booth was very popular with children working on geodes projects.

The 3 Kings Escape Room was a challenge to the visitors as they tried to use the various clues to escape. The aromatherapy booth was very popular also.

“I’m just thankful for the many people who helped make this happen,” Taylor said. “I just loved hearing the kids exclaiming about the crafts.”

One Starry Night was an opportunity for visitors to step back in time as Oasis Church transformed into the town of Bethlehem.