amilies from across the region will find the City of David, Bethlehem, at Woodmont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on December 14, 2003. Walk Thru Bethlehem, a beloved tradition in the community, takes thousands of visitors back in time and across the world to the location of Jesus’ birth.
From 1 to 7 p.m. at 3601 Hillsboro Road (at the corner of Woodmont Boulevard and Hillsboro Road), the sights and sounds of Bethlehem come to life as hundreds of Woodmont Christian Church members recreate the city of Christ’s birth.
Guests enter the crowded city, as Mary and Joseph did – to participate in the census. They cross through the marketplace, which features an olive press, brass shop, musicians, bakers and craftspeople of all kinds. Roman soldiers patrol the city and the rabbi teaches visitors to the synagogue. Visitors can taste the bread, nuts and drinks of the day.
Children will especially enjoy visiting Bethlehem as they make friends with the young people of the town and hear the news of the Messiah’s birth. They will be invited to play games and participate in many hands-on projects, including doll and pottery making.
At the edge of the city, visitors to the inn learn that it is full. But outside the inn, a humble stable is surrounded by camels, sheep and goats. A family sits in the stable, where a baby has just been born. There, among the shepherds who have come to see the baby, travelling kings also worship, offering gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
Walk Thru Bethlehem is Woodmont Christian Church’s Christmas gift to the community. It began as a youth project in 1982 and is dedicated to the memory of Anne Keith, a young Woodmont member who was an instrumental spark in keeping the project alive. She was killed in an automobile accident in 1988.
Parking is available at the church and at the Boy Scouts of America lot across the street throughout the event. Visitors may also park in the nearby lots of Woodmont Baptist Church and Calvary United Methodist Church until 5 p.m. A special needs accessible entrance is available through the sanctuary. Bus parking for large groups can be arranged by calling the church office at (615) 297-8563. There is no charge for admission.
