Interactive Nativity Scheduled

Behind the creativity in presenting the 2022 Journey to Bethlehem event at Woodcrest Retreat, is an enduring goal to keep the tale fresh, while acknowledging its unwavering truth. "It's the Christmas story," said Adam Fox, program director at Woodcrest. "It doesn't change, but there are different ways to think it through."

One aim of the event is to make the experience more real for attendees. "Audiences understand what the characters are going through," said Fox. "That's what we want to help bring to life."

Now in its 12th year, Journey to Bethlehem gives participants the opportunity to become part of the Christmas story as they follow Mary and Joseph from the time 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. Journey will be held at the retreat center, 225 Woodcrest Drive, Ephrata, on Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, 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.

The live Nativity is interactive in that adults and children who attend may participate in specific scenes. As they travel with the characters from the Bible, participants will witness the walk to Bethlehem, where they will experience the disappointment of finding there is no room at the inn. The journey will also take attendees to a marketplace, where they may spend a shekel to purchase raisins or crackers, and then to a field, where they will gather with shepherds to hear the angels announce Christ's birth. Finally, visitors will arrive at a stable along with the shepherds, where they will all meet Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus. "Together they are in awe of how biblical prophecy foretold this event," explained Fox. The final stop is now a live presentation that takes place in the palace of one of the wise men.

Fox noted that about 3,000 people attended the 2021 event. 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/events/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 more than 1,900 children each year. In the case of inclement weather, those planning to attend Journey to Bethlehem should check the aforementioned website for information.