Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 2-3 in Walnut Creek
Journey to Bethlehem is a live walking/driving tour that takes visitors through the experiences Mary and Joseph may have experienced on their journey. The event is Dec. 2 and 3 from 4-8 p.m. in Walnut Creek.
On Dec. 2 and 3 from 4-8 p.m., the annual Journey to Bethlehem will be held in Walnut Creek.
The Journey to Bethlehem is a live walking/driving tour that takes visitors through the experiences Mary and Joseph may have experienced along their journey to Bethlehem. It includes a market place, biblical characters, shepherds and a live nativity scene.
Journey to Bethlehem began more than a decade ago, born as an idea to present the biblical Christmas story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Local actors play the roles of the various scenes including Mary and Joseph at the inn, the shepherds watching over their flocks by night, the heavenly angels singing, and the wrath of King Herod, which will be in town at Walnut Creek. Scenes at the farm include the three kings who traveled to see this new king and Mary and Joseph gazing upon the newborn baby Jesus as the angels sang.
Along the journey, thousands of luminaries dot the sidewalks and roads, serving as a light to follow the path to the culmination of the story.
Some of the activities of the journey include registering for taxation, just as Mary and Joseph did, and experiencing the Bethlehem marketplace. Participants also will meet biblical characters and share a fireside with shepherds and their flocks. The journey ends with a live nativity scene.
Sponsored by the Walnut Creek Business Association and additional local sponsors, the event encompasses several locations including the Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, Coblentz Chocolates, Yoder’s Hardware, Carlisle Gifts, Carlisle Inn and the Farm at Walnut Creek, where it concludes with the live nativity.
The event is free and includes both walking and driving. It will be held rain, snow or shine, and visitors should prepare for the weather conditions. Stops may be visited in any order, but starting at Walnut Creek Mennonite to register and receive a map of the journey is recommended. No preregistration is required.
Journey to Bethlehem is meant to share the true meaning of the holiday: the birth of Christ. For the members of the Walnut Creek Business Association, it isn’t about bringing people into town to shop and spend but rather a way they can say thank you to those who support them and share the faith of the local community.
Anyone with questions can call 330-893-4200.