She Magazine DECEMBER 2015 | Page 144

art & soul Story by Cassie Graham • Red Door Portrait Photography a resident of Bethea for fifteen years, Mrs. Deason has helped with everything declares that the magic of Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the crucifixion. “Christmas from designing and decorating the inn to walking through the crowds in sends the message that God so loved the world. Without the crucifixion and resurrection, the costume. As she makes her way through Bethlehem, she quotes scripture birth would mean nothing.”  and greets visitors. “This event goes on rain or shine. Even though I feel like Another of Bethea’s beloved residents, Ms. Billie Boette, participates by doing a little bit of I have a minor part, the major aspect of being a part of ‘Come to Bethlehem’ everything. For the past three years, she has been in charge of recruiting residents to be in the is the blessing. Seeing fellow residents enjoy the re-enactment and seeing families with their inn and setting it up. “I have to make sure that I have enough people so that it will be too full for children explaining the events taking place in front of them warms my heart.” The highlights, Mary and