The Kelso-Longview (Wash.) Church marked the 10th anniversary of the Journey to Bethlehem, an event that they host to bring Christ back into Christmas. This year, 7,045 people came from the community and surrounding area.
God blessed those who came from far and near to take part in paying their taxes—strolling the streets of Bethlehem and witnessing life as it was in the days when baby Jesus was born. Visitors could see Roman guards, a tax collector, an angel from on high announcing the Messiah's birth to shepards who hurried to see where the baby lay, a lowly cavelike structure housing animals, and Mary and Joseph tenderly caring for baby Jesus.
Many "taxpayers" shed tears at the magnitude of it all. For many this was their first introduction to what the Christmas season was all about.
Lonnie Rogers leads Gizmo the camel at Journey to Bethlehem.
Two of the Roman guards hurry taxpayers on their way to pay their taxes in Bethlehem.
The tax collector Wayne Caine sits at his station awaiting taxpayers.
