43
Church simulates ‘Night in Bethlehem’
The display is free and open to the public.
LIBERTY — Many celebrate the birth of Christ and cherish Bethlehem as the place of his birth, but few will ever visit that city in the Middle East.
Members of the Church Hill United Methodist Church on Church Hill-Hubbard Road are trying to take area residents as close to Bethlehem as humanly possible without their having to board a plane.
Church members will host “A Night in Bethlehem” from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the church. Terri West, church director of children’s ministries, said the visit will be educational and entertaining.
“We set up all of our rooms to look just like Bethlehem the night Jesus was born,” he said. “We have a bake shop, market place, people making jewelry and the opportunity to visit a Jewish home and a synagogue.”
Toward the end of the Bethlehem tour, visitors also can speak with an inn keeper from the era of Jesus’ birth as well as visit the manger — yes, there is a real baby representing Jesus Christ.
Sunday marks the first day of Advent. Advent, from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” is the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus — the period immediately before Christmas.
West said the timing of the event is critical because those participating want to make sure people remember the reason Christmas is celebrated.
“There is so much commercialism, and we wanted to keep Christ in Christmas. We are really stressing that. We want people to remember to keep Christ in Christmas,” she said.
This is the second year the church has hosted the display. More than 50 church members work to bring the display to life. It is free and open to the public.
West said it is always good if someone visiting the church decides to return or even join, but that is not the goal.
“It’s a free gift to the community,” she said. “We want everyone to know the truth about Jesus Christ. We hope everyone senses the awe and excitement of Jesus.”
Every family attending the event will receive an ornamental gift before leaving, she added.
jgoodwin@vindy.com