Beware of the Roman Guards who patrol “A Night in Bethlehem.” Imagine taking a walk through Bethlehem during the time when Jesus was born. You and your family smell freshly baked bread, make toys in the wood shop, or buy fruits and nuts from the marketplace. Suddenly, shepherds appear, telling you they have good news, and they invite you to come and see the miracle with your own eyes.

This Christmas, Resurrection Lutheran Church will host “A Night in Bethlehem,” a hands-on Holy Land experience, Dec. 11 and 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. each evening. All in the community are invited to come, bring family and friends to experience Christmas in a whole new way.

During “A Night in Bethlehem,” participants will be welcomed by the Census Taker and register their family in Bethlehem. You’ll make toys in the carpentry shop and clay creations in the pottery shop. You’ll grind grain and knead bread; visit the spice shop and leatherworking shop. You’ll get a visit from the tax collector and maybe even the pesky Roman Guards. You will hear the good news from the excited shepherds and have an opportunity to visit the stable-to visit with Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus.

Pick up some dried fruit and nuts at the Farmers’ Market in Bethlehem Village. Reservations are suggested. Admission is free, while a freewill offering will be collected to cover costs and award to missions. Please call the church office, 516.746.4426, for more information and to reserve your visit to Bethlehem.

Resurrection Lutheran Church is a Christian community of faith, with its main campus located at 420 Stewart Ave., near Clinton Rd., in Garden City. Enter the Bethlehem experience via the gym door on Emmet Place. All are invited to worship at 5:30 PM on Saturdays and at 8:30 and 11 AM Sunday mornings, with Christian Education at 9:45 AM. For more information, please visit www.resgc.org.