For eight years, the Gladstone (Ore.) Campground has hosted Follow the Star. Beginning in September, volunteers begin setting up seven scenes. Conceived by Gladstone Park Church members, the event provides a visual enactment of Luke's story of Jesus' birth. Cumulative attendance records show more than thirty-thousand guests have experienced the event, complete with more than 120 actors, portraying shepherds, shop keepers, priests, angels, King Herod, Roman soldiers and wise men. There are also live sheep, horses and a llama. Though directed through the Gladstone Church, the outreach would not be what it is without the commitment of members from at least a dozen area churches. Learning lines and braving weather for five or six hours a night, is a commitment.
We do not know how many, of the record setting number of more than 4,700 guests this year, came for the first time, but believe it was likely close to half. Many returnees brought friends and relatives back with them.
One mother writes, "This is the fourth year my family has come... It is a tradition we all look forward too. Our daughter has been coming since she was two and can hardly wait to see baby Jesus at the end. The look on her face is truly magical when she sees Him while the angel sings." Another writes, "We like the fact that you follow the story in the Bible and make it interesting so that both adults and young children can enjoy it. Thank you for that."
Follow the Star is a ministry presenting the reality of Jesus' birth to thousands each year as well as a witness to the community of who Seventh-day Adventists are. New friendships are made each December and many doors are opened throughout the year when we mention that we are the ones who bring them Follow the Star each year.
Plan to attend next December. Come early to get your free tickets and enjoy the many guest musicians who perform in the Holden Center each evening while waiting for your tour group number to be called.
For more information, go to followthestar.us.
Angel April Burville announces the birth of Jesus to the shepherds as they watch over their sheep on the hill around Bethlehem. (Bob Uhrig)
Priest David Resendez faces King Herod after being summoned to answer questions about a star in the east and the concept of a new baby that would be king. (Bob Uhrig)
Eduardo and Kristina Fonseca portray the couple of the nativity scene. (Bob Uhrig)
From left: Roman soldiers Fred Harvey and James Olson brave the cold on horseback to keep those traveling along the path in line. (Bob Uhrig)
Priest John Marriot stands in the court yard of the temple. (Bob Uhrig)
Prophetess Anna, portrayed by Sharon Koenig, predicts the future of the baby that is the Son of God in the courtyard of the temple. (Bob Uhrig)
