The first weekend in December found nearly all the members of the Goldendale (Wash.) Church actively involved in its third annual Journey to Bethlehem. This is the church’s gift to our community, and each year more of the area residents come to go through the journey.
Guests are divided into groups with a guide that takes them on the “journey.” If they have to wait awhile for their turn, there is live music for their enjoyment. The trip begins in Jerusalem with stops at King Herod’s palace and at the temple, where the priest gives them a brief description of the temple ceremonies. They also see Simeon and Anna. They are stopped by a soldier who makes sure everyone in the group stops at the tax collector's booth.
At the outskirts of Bethlehem, they find the inn is overflowing with travelers, so they push on to find lodging. At the stable they hear the story told by the excited shepherds and see the babe in the manger. Then the angels sing as they take in the scene. The wise men meet them along the road as they head into the street of Bethlehem. The guide interacts with each shopkeeper. Everyone is excited over the baby, whom many believe to be the looked-for Messiah. The journey ends at the dining room, where guests are invited to enjoy a sample of authentic Bethlehem cuisine.
Lori Gray is the director of this event and has done an excellent job of preparing the script and keeping our focus on presenting the story in a way that is appealing and is a teaching experience to those who may not be as familiar with the story of our Savior’s birth.
Going back in time to the carpenter shop.
