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