Ever wonder what it would have been like to live in Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth? To be under the close scrutiny of Roman legionnaires? To barter for fish, or make your own clay pots? To witness the angels and the event that changed history?

Fayetteville Christian Church invites members of the community to do just that at “One Night in Bethlehem,” this year’s staging of the church’s popular Walk Through Bethlehem program, set for Thursday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 3.

“Bethlehem” has become an annual holiday tradition in the Southern Crescent, drawing thousands of people to an amazingly accurate, interactive experience,” says Dan Roberts, senior pastor at Fayetteville Christian.

Guests walking through the gates of Bethlehem enter a real, working village, where they can talk with local merchants, trade scowls with the tax collector, learn crafts like weaving and leatherworking, and sample various treats.

“People who come here for the first time tell us they can’t believe how immersed they feel in the experience,” Roberts adds. “While they’re in Bethlehem, they don’t see or hear any of the 21st century interruptions that keep us tied to the moment. They really understand how it would have felt to walk the streets of Bethlehem.”

While the emphasis is on reality, that reality is anything but grim, Roberts continues. “This is a time of celebration. There are poignant moments, of course, but Bethlehem is a lively, festive place. The comments we hear most as people are leaving — particularly from the kids — are, ‘That was really cool!’ Or sometimes just, ‘Awesome!’ ”

Roberts estimates that it takes church volunteers approximately one thousand hours to construct the village, including walls, a stable, merchant stalls, a fire pit and gate. Then there are costumes to make and live animals to gather.

“It’s really an amazing effort by a group of very dedicated people,” Roberts says. “We know we are giving our guests a once-in-a lifetime experience, and their reactions are what keep us motivated year after year.”

In order to meet the growing attendance at the event, Fayetteville Christian Church has extended the program an additional day. The church has also added pre-tour musical entertainment from local performers and groups.

“Bethlehem” will be open on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6-8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 1, from 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3-8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1-6 p.m.

The church is at 114 Hickory Road in Fayetteville, at the corner of New Hope and Hickory. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Thirty-minute guided tours leave every ten minutes.

Call 770-461-8763 for more information.

login to post comments