Walk Again Through Bethlehem
By Sherri Blevins
In a year filled with uncertainties, changes, and disappointments, one thing remains unchanged – Jesus brings hope to the world. Broadway Baptist Church, located in Rainsville, Alabama, under the direction of Youth Minister John Prose, desires to share that hope with the community through its second presentation of “Walk Through Bethlehem.” Prose stated, “Jesus brings hope, and that’s why we wanted to do this presentation this year, to let people know there is hope even during a pandemic.”
Visitors may tour Bethlehem (Rainsville’s version) on Friday, December 11, 2020, between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm, Saturday, December 12, 2020, between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm, and Sunday, December 13, between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm. The event is free, but advanced reservations are required. Reservations may be made in two ways. You may call the church office at 256-638-4219, or you may make online reservations by visiting https://host.tablesready.com/p/book/add/bbcwtb.
Bethlehem may look a little different this year than last year due to changes made to keep the public safe and follow CDC guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. The drama presentation has also been adapted to shorten the time of the entire visit. The check-in procedure for this year’s event will be very different than last year. Visitors will wait in their cars until the time of their tour, and they will be alerted through a text message when it is time to visit Bethlehem. Once they receive the text, they will join their town guide under the canopy in front of the church. That is when their journey through the past officially begins. Once inside the city walls, visitors will experience what it would have been like to be in Bethlehem the week of Jesus’ birth. The first hurdle will be to make it past the census taker into the city. Be on guard for Roman soldiers patrolling the streets and be prepared for the sights, sounds, and smells from the past. Shepherds, store merchants, bread makers, and the town gossip are only a few of the locals you will encounter.
After leaving the city, visitors will be escorted to an outdoor theatre to watch the story of Jesus’ birth, life, and resurrection portrayed through drama and music. Prose explained that his goal for this year is for visitors to spend a little over 15 minutes in the city and approximately 15 minutes viewing the drama, with the entire trip being complete in 45 minutes.
Prose stated, “Come enjoy the Hope found in that first Christmas as you experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the city of Bethlehem that first Christmas.”
Walk Again Through Bethlehem
