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Date: 11/20/2019
HAMPDEN – Bethlehem Church is back with their third annual holiday event, “A Bethlehem Christmas,” on Dec. 7 and 8. This year, the church has made a few changes to their celebration to ensure the enjoyment of those who attend the family-friendly event.
A Bethlehem Christmas allows attendee’s “to encounter daily life in the town where Jesus was born,” first-century Bethlehem. Those who walk through the church witness live nativity scenes, and pay visits to artisans and craftspeople as they work in their shops.
“Meet some of the townspeople and even shepherds who have come in from the fields to find out what all the commotion is about. There’s news of a baby born in the stable down the street,” a press release by Bethlehem reads regarding the premise of the event.
Last years event alone drew over 1,300 people to the church to witness the live nativity scene. Connection and Outreach Director at Bethlehem, Lori Cooney, explained that the church has been intentional in adding to the overall experience that would appeal to children ages three to 12 for this year.
In past years, the event has been so well attended that there has been a longer wait time. Cooney noted that this year, they have worked to make the wait time more entertaining for children.
“Sometimes there’s a wait to get into the actual journey through Bethlehem. We’ve added some things to even make that short wait fun for the kids!” Cooney explained to Reminder Publishing. “And the Christmas Café has live music!”
The live-nativity tour winds “through the streets of old-world Bethlehem,” and works to “make the true story of Christmas come to life,” the press release reads. The church ensures participants that “there is something for everyone.”
Cooney notes that her favorite part of the two-day event is the manger scene and the dialogue that occurs at that scene.
“For me it's the striking set and costumes in the manger scene where the true meaning of Christmas comes to life in drama and imagery. There are some new things at the manger, too, this year. But we don't want to give it all away,” Cooney said.
With roughly 158 volunteers working on the event, A Bethlehem Christmas truly is a family affair. There are 74 support volunteers who work “behind the scenes,” approximately 50 cookie bakers and 48 cast members.
A Bethlehem Christmas is a free event that is family friendly. The church does ask, however, that if individuals are able, they bring a canned good to help stock the shelves at local shelters and food banks.
Bethlehem Church welcomes the public on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests may arrive any time during the event, and plan to stay for at least an hour to enjoy the complete experience. Bethlehem Church is located at 123 Allen St. in Hampden. For more information, visit BethlehemHampden.org/Christmas or call the church at 566–5572.