What would it have been like to walk the streets of Bethlehem 2,000 years ago? This December, Bethlehem Lutheran Church invites the community to find out through Journey to Bethlehem, an immersive, interactive Christmas experience that brings the biblical story of Jesus’ birth to life.
The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 Broadway Drive in Sun Prairie. Admission is completely free, and no tickets or advance registration are required. Visitors are welcome to arrive anytime during the event hours to join the continually running journeys through Bethlehem.
Rather than simply watching the story play out, visitors will have the opportunity to “experience the sights, sounds and even the smells of the City of David on the day Christ was born,” as Bethlehem’s website explains.
Guests will go on a guided journey, lasting approximately 25 minutes, during which they will encounter over 75 costumed actors and live animals within the elaborate sets depicting ancient Bethlehem.
“The characters in the story are all relatable,” says Allison Monday, a member of the leadership committee for Journey to Bethlehem. “They have the same hopes, doubts, fears, and questions that many of us have. Journey to Bethlehem brings the Christmas story to life and lets us participate right along with them.”
Behind the scenes, Journey to Bethlehem is a significant volunteer undertaking. Over 200 members of the congregation contribute their time and talents to constructing sets, preparing costumes, rehearsing scenes, caring for animals, welcoming visitors, and bringing the ancient story to life.
“It is incredible, the dedication and passion that the members of Bethlehem have for telling the Christmas story,” says Ben Leeper, associate pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. “One of my favorite parts is how it brings the whole congregation together. Everyone has a part to play, from newborn babies to lifelong members. It’s a tremendous undertaking, and we couldn’t do this without them.”
Bethlehem Lutheran Church only produces Journey to Bethlehem every other year, but since its inception in 2012, over 9,000 people have attended the event. Allison Monday explains, “Our family has attended since the beginning, and it is now an important tradition that we are excited to share with all of our family and friends!”
Journey to Bethlehem welcomes families, individuals, and community members of all ages to come and see the story of Jesus’s birth. To learn more about the program, visit the website: https://www.bethlehemsunprairie.org/journey-to-bethlehem/