Bethlehem comes to life

NO ROOM AT THE INN-Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village re-creates the first Christmas in the annual drive-through Bethlehem experience. The event, which is free to the public, is the church's gift to the community. See it 5 to 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 9 or 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 10. For two magical nights before Christmas, the first-century village of Bethlehem will come to life when the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church transforms their church grounds into a lifelike re-creation 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.