Capital City Christian Church, 1512 Swifts Highway, is sponsoring A Journey to Bethlehem for the 22nd year.
A Journey to Bethlehem
[]The event is on a trail east of the Jefferson City church and is a walk depicting the time of the birth of Christ.
On the walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem people will see shepherds with their sheep, Roman soldiers trying to harass the travelers, Wise Men bearing gifts for the Christ child, angels, the carpentry shop of Joseph and the crib scene with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus.
Those attending are asked to park at Goldschmidt Cancer Center and a shuttle will take them to the trail. Once at the trail they will receive a ticket to enable them to walk.
The walk takes about 40 minutes, according to Troy Easley, coordinator of the event.
People should wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable to the weather. The trail is not handicapped accessible.
Depending on how many people attend, the wait can be as short as under an hour or as long as two hours.
After the walk people can go into the gym, which is decorated with a Christmas tree and other seasonal decorations and have hot chocolate and cookies. There is also a miniature train set that includes five trains running through various scenes.
After enjoying the festivities in the gym, participants will be shuttled back to their cars.
Easley said they try to make the journey as realistic as possible with period costumes cared for by ladies of the congregation from year to year.
They also have live animals, including sheep, goats, horses, calves and more. The animals each have keepers who watch them during the performance to guarantee they will not wander away. Easley said he remembers one occasion when they chased a calf through the streets.
Approximately 200 members of the congregation take part in the event, and Easley said it is a labor of love and giving for church members.
Preparation begins in summer when the trail is cleaned of debris and made ready. Costumes are unpacked and checked.
Easley noted he had assistance this year from Mike Wankam and Brad Lee in organizing the event.
Easley said that 22 years ago the congregation came together with the idea for the journey and it was a total commitment.
"Many families are involved with this Christmas tradition. They look forward to giving the gift to the community," Easley said.
This will be the last year this particular trail is used, but a committee is already preparing a trail to be used next year as the tradition continues.
A Journey to Bethlehem
Where: Capital City Christian Church in Jefferson City
When: Tonight-Saturday
Admission: Thursday: Reservation only/sold out; Friday/Saturday: 6-10 p.m., free to the public.