Bethlehem Revisited Takes Visitors Back in Time

bethlehemFirst Church of Coral Springs invites you to Bethlehem Revisited, a living interactive recreation of the town of Bethlehem. It is a chance to watch the town of Bethlehem come to life as it was more than 2,000 years ago during the time of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. This five-day annual event will open Friday, December 9 and continue till Tuesday, December 13.

Bethlehem Revisited started over 20 years ago. There are more than 300 volunteers from staff to local churches, uniting together for this live event. Janet Brockway, event and drama coordinator, said, “All volunteers are trained to represent Christ-like behavior. It’s important everyone stays in character and be as authentic as possible. The recreation takes about thirty minutes to walk through and has evolved over the years trying to perfect.”

Her husband Michael Brockway is also very involved as an Event Coordinator as well.

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What you’ll find

The city of Bethlehem, recreated on church property, has an extensive cast of characters and multiple roles including shepherds, Roman soldiers, nomads and a live Nativity. There is a marketplace of 17 different shops. Brockway said, “The bread shop is the focus of the marketplace. Even the ovens are a replica of the olden times.” Over the years, the Brockways have done extensive research to reenact the night Jesus was born. Their focus of bringing people back to a memorable day and reenacting the miracle of Jesus Christ.

Christy Blanc, who is in charge of the Bethlehem shops, said, “Sharing the most significant of Christian blessings with our community is so very moving. The people who come here feel the true presence of God and can share the story with their children in a very real way. There is nothing else like it. So much about Christmas has nothing to do with the miracle. So I am happy and blessed to be a part of this mission.”

Mike Bierman, a volunteer, reported, “My family has built and volunteered at Bethlehem for over 20 years. The ministry has touched thousands of hearts and souls. It is well done and family oriented. People come from all over Florida to see it.”

Barbara Wing has been a volunteer for Bethlehem Revisited since 1994. Wing expressed, “After walking the streets of Bethlehem, our visitors go into see The Innkeeper, who then directs them in through the gates to the manger. If you are saved, you will shed a tear for dear sweet baby, and if you are not saved, you will want to know the rest of the story.”

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A living gospel presentation

God seemed to be silent for 400 years between the Old Testament prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus. God was lining up everything perfectly on his timing and not ours. This was a crucial time of trust and patience. God was preparing the world for his son.

“For this is how God loved the world:  He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).

This annual tradition is a time to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Taking people back to a time of simplicity. It is the Bible coming to life through a live display of heart and soul at Christmas time. This is a reminder of God’s love for us as his disciples. Walk through this authentic recreation of Historic Bethlehem during the time of the birth of Jesus and experience it for yourself.

Bethlehem Revisited will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.  First Church Coral Springs is located at 8650 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. Free Bibles in both English and Spanish will be available to take home.

For more information, visit www.bethlehem-revisited.com.

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