art & soul
Story by Cassie Graham • Red Door Portrait Photography
Pictured left to right: Mrs. Henrietta Deason, Pastor Jeff
Cockrell, Mrs. Nita Huntley and Mrs. Billie Boette
come to
Bethlehem
with Pastor Jeff Cockrell & Residents
of Bethea Retirement Community
t
142
his season marks the ninth annual “Come to Bethlehem” event at Bethea
The residents at Bethea look forward to this grand spectacle each year. Not only can they
Baptist Retirement Community in which a live re-enactment of the events
visit the event, but they also have opportunities to play important roles as part of the cast and
leading up to and including the birth of Jesus is presented in front of the
crew. They prepare months in advance by planning and making costumes. Residents who
administration building. Nearly one hundred of Bethea’s residents along with
can physically participate can be found in the inn that is too full for Mary and Joseph or as
actors from fourteen area churches come together to recreate the birth of the
attendants in Herod’s court.
Christ Child and the streets of Bethlehem. Families who visit will be in awe of the
Ms. Nita Huntley has been in charge of costuming for “Come to Bethlehem” since day one.
ornate costumes, sheep, camels, donkeys, Roman soldiers on horseback, choir of live angels
Seeing the churches come together is her favorite aspect of the entire event. Some churches
announcing the birth of the Holy Child, shepherds, the inn, the manger, a Bethlehem village,
set up booths throughout the streets of Bethlehem with everything from basket shops to mon-
and more. Guests are encouraged to walk through to have a personal experience, but drive-
eychangers, while others provide hot meals each night for the participants. Other volunteers
through is available for those who prefer it or are unable to walk.
offer sheep, donkeys, and camels from their own farms to use with sets and scenes.
Upon entering the gates at Bethea, visitors are welcomed by shepherds. As they continue
The facility’s Chaplain and director of “Come to Bethlehem,” Pastor Jeff Cockrell, explains,
through the community, they are transported back in time 2000 years. Guests see Mary and
“The event began as a way to give back to the community by presenting the true meaning of
Joseph heading to the city of Bethlehem on a donkey, pass a field with shepherds tending
Christmas in a family-friendly atmosphere. One of the greatest impacts of the event is many
their flocks of sheep, see and hear a host of angels singing praises to God, view the adorned
parents and their children enjoying a quality, calm Christmas presentation together. The mes-
Herod’s court, and, lastly, come to the stable where Mary and Joseph are with the babe, who
sage of “Come to Bethlehem” is that Christmas is all about Jesus. The biggest blessing for
is wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. Upon reaching the end of the first Christ-
me is meeting many people each year who attend the presentation and have fun while being
mas journey, hot chocolate is served to warm chilly hands and small animals are near the
reminded of the real meaning of Christmas.”
stable for children to pet.
CONTINUED...
DECEMBER 2015
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