The story of Christ's birth in Bethlehem is classic and timeless, and yet, Woodcrest Retreat endeavors to keep its Journey to Bethlehem fresh with changes that add color and depth to the event.

In 2023, organizers partnered with Lititz Area Mennonite School (LAMS) to add a special twist, which will be included again this year. "The drama team from LAMS will come in with a choreographed dance scene," said Andrew Mylin, director of discipleship at Woodcrest. The Marketplace scene, which immerses participants in a traditional Bethlehem market at the time of Christ's birth, will feature LAMS students performing a Jewish-inspired song and dance about yearning for the Messiah.

This year's Journey to Bethlehem will be held at the retreat center, 225 Woodcrest Drive, Ephrata, on Fridays, Dec. 13 and 20, from 6 to 8:50 p.m. and on Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21, from 5 to 8:50 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes on the hourlong trek, which will begin with a wagon ride to the start of the Journey. 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 feature music, live animals, and more than 70 actors as it offers participants an opportunity to put themselves into 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.

The live Nativity is interactive, giving attendees the chance to participate in some scenes. As visitors walk along with Mary and Joseph, they will experience the holy couple's disappointment when there is no room at the inn. When they reach a large field, they will witness the shepherds as they 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 will take place in the palace of one of the wise men. "At the end, we will have a scene with the magi, where they talk about the vision to steer clear of Herod," pointed out Mylin.

"We are slowly updating things," noted Matthew Good, director of partnerships with Woodcrest. Good pointed out that Woodcrest's efforts are designed to keep the story lively. "Near the end of the Journey, there will be a light display, which goes from scene five - our manger scene - to scene six - our magi scene," Good said, adding that a volunteer handles all the lighting.

Mylin stated that in 2023, more than 3,000 visitors took the journey with Mary and Joseph at Woodcrest. "The total since 2011 is 28,000 (attendees)," he shared.

The cost to attend will be discounted for children ages 5 to 16. Children age 4 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 or by searching for "Woodcrest Retreat" on Facebook. A limited number of walk-in tickets will be available each night. Readers who have questions may call 717-738-2233.

"If you know what time you will be here, you can reserve a time slot," said Good. "We don't guarantee a time for walk-ins, so it might be (up to) 20 minutes until they get on a wagon."

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.