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Volume XX-Issue 1058 December 17, 2024
Happy Holidays From The Vermilion Voice
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Stepping Into The Past: Bethlehem Re-Visited Unfolds A Living Nativity
Top left, Mary and Joesph and baby Jesus. Top right, the Census person. Bottom left, the pottery shop and pottery maker. Bottom right, the bakery and bakers. Photos Lorna Hamilton
Lorna Hamilton
the ages. In addition this year, attendees hunt where they had to find items as they blacksmith enhancing the overall experihad the opportunity to walk through writ- perused the shops offering young visitors ence and transporting everyone to a time Bethlehem, once again, came alive ten text which incorporated the rest of a chance to explore through a warm and when the simple yet profound story of with the spirit of the season as The Glad Jesus’ life story. inviting atmosphere. Coffee and goodies Bethlehem unfolded. Tidings Pentecostal Assembly, in collaboThroughout the immersive walk- as well as cookie decorating was availIn blending tradition with innovaration with community churches and orga- through, attendees had the unique oppor- able for all to enjoy. tion, Bethlehem Re-Visited at The Glad nizations, presented a captivating journey tunity to interact with shopkeepers, creatStepping into the crisp night air, a crack- Tidings Pentecostal Assembly has once through time in its Bethlehem Re-Visited ing a semblance of real-time engagement. ling fire outside welcomed attendees to again proven to be a cherished commuevent on December 15. “It was an immersive experience where a live interaction with animals, including nity event as many members of the Keeping with the same tradition as the you were able to walk through the village donkeys and sheep, the fishmonger and community passed through the display. year prior, this year’s event unfolded within of Bethlehem and see what it might have the walls of the Glad Tidings Pentecostal been like on the night of Jesus’ birth,” Assembly, transforming the sacred space remarked one attendee, capturing the into an intricately detailed and interactive sentiment shared by many. walkthrough of the historic town. Visitors Adding depth to the narrative, the found themselves immersed in the heart setting featured a census place, an inteof Bethlehem, replete with marketplaces gral part of the story of Jesus’ birth. boasting fabrics, bakeries, grain and According to the biblical account, the spice stalls, as well as fruits and vegeta- census ordered by Caesar Augustus bles, rugs, baskets, and bread vendors. necessitated Joseph’s return to the city The recreation allowed attendees to of David, known as Bethlehem. Joseph, engage in the experience of pretending a descendant of the house and lineage of to purchase and discover the wares of a David, complied with the ruler’s command, bygone era. and the event underscores the belief that Notably, the facade of the inn echoed God orchestrated the census to fulfill the the sentiment of that night when Mary and prophecy of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. A Joseph sought shelter. The nativity scene, tax collector was also working to collect with the humble stable where Jesus was taxes from the visitors. born, stood as a poignant reminder of the The immersive experience extended to biblical tale that has resonated through an indoor adult and children’s scavenger Outside where the sheep and donkeys were kept with the blacksmith and fish monger. Reporter