13th Journey to Bethlehem planned

"This is the fourth year in a row we have a new scene," said Adam Fox, program director at Woodcrest Retreat. "If you came (to Journey to Bethlehem) five years ago, the script is 80% different (now)." The 13th presentation of the Journey to Bethlehem event at Woodcrest Retreat, which takes visitors on a trek through the woods of Woodcrest to a live Nativity, will aim to make the experience real for attendees. To that end, each year, fresh creativity is poured into the project.

This year's Journey to Bethlehem will be held at the retreat center, 225 Woodcrest Drive, Ephrata, on Fridays, Dec. 8 and 15, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and wear appropriate water-resistant shoes on the hourlong trek. Although the event is family-friendly, strollers and those with mobility issues cannot be accommodated because of the rugged landscape.

As in the past, the event will give participants the opportunity to become part of the Christmas story as they follow Mary and Joseph from the moment they receive the news that Mary will give birth to the Christ child to their arrival at the stable where Christ was born and beyond.

"We have a lot that is new this year," said Fox, who noted that the retreat center is partnering with the drama department of Lititz Area Mennonite School for a new scene. "(The students) will perform a Jewish-inspired song and dance about yearning for the Messiah," Fox said.

The live Nativity is interactive in that adults and children who attend may participate in some scenes. As visitors witness the walk to Bethlehem, they will experience the holy couple's disappointment when there is no room at the inn. Participants will also visit a marketplace, where they may spend a shekel to purchase raisins or crackers. Another scene will take place in a large field, where shepherds will hear the angels announce Christ's birth. Visitors will then arrive at a stable where they will find Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus. The final stop is now a live presentation that takes place in the palace of one of the wise men.

Fox noted that about 2,600 people attended the 2022 journey.

The cost to attend will be discounted for children ages 4 to 16. Children age 3 and under will be admitted for free. In addition, a special price will be available to members of an immediate family living in the same household. Reservations may be made at http://www.woodcrestretreat.org/journey. Readers who have questions may call 717-738-2233.

All funds raised by the event will benefit the ministry of Woodcrest, a nonprofit retreat and camp center that serves nearly 2,000 children each year. In the case of inclement weather, those planning to attend Journey to Bethlehem should check the aforementioned website for information.