This week on You Gotta Do this, we took “A Walk Through Bethlehem” - and we never left Prescott!

For the past 15 years, Debbie Smith, director of Children Ministry at American Lutheran Church at 1085 Scott Drive, has been bringing the reason for the season to the Prescott Community.

With over 500 actors, set builders and assistants - to say this is a huge undertaking is a huge understatement.

From November 11 – December 4th, Smith and her team transform the basement of the church into a realistic walk through Bethlehem.

Guests are greeted by the Roman Census takers and then led in groups through a narrative production that includes Jacob’s Meat Market, Basket Weavers, the Jail, and they also get to hear the latest gossip from the Women at the Well.

Kazeera, our guide for the day introduced us to Jacob at his Meat Market where he explained how the blood of the lamb was used to protect the Israelites first born from death during the Sabbath.

Elizabeth at the Bread Shop told of the Manna provided by God as the Israelites fled Egypt. And was fortunate enough to get an order from Kazeera for a dinner party she was throwing later that week.

Along the way, guests are treated to run amuck village kids, beggars and the sights, sounds, and smells of Bethlehem. Meaning the City of Bread, Bethlehem was a hub of activity as villagers anticipated “something special” that was to take place this night.

Debbie Smith, our guide Kazeera, Casey Shaver, and Elizabeth, Amy Buettner have been involved with Walk through Bethlehem for 7 – 15 years each, and are all on staff at AELC. They, and hundreds like them, give their all in creating this incredible community outreach.

The highlight of the walk of course is … The Holy Family and Baby Jesus – A real baby! My family played the part of the Holy Family, and our youngest, Simon was actually Baby Jesus when he was just months old. And just how does it happen that there are eight different families to play the holy family each year you ask?

“Belly Watch” replies Amy. “About June or July, I make a list of families that are expecting, or have children of the appropriate age to be Baby Jesus”. – This all sounded so covert to me, and I was in shock and disbelief. But, no, it’s true.

Amy is not afraid to approach expectant mothers or families with newborns at the church to ask if they would be interested in letting their child be the Baby Jesus. I mean really? Who is gonna say no to that?!

Walk through Bethlehem has become a family tradition for us. Our four kids look forward to it every year. The kids have been towns kids, worked in the basket shop, I’ve been a wise man, Lori, one of the women at the well. And this is nothing compared to some of the commitment of the other members of the congregation. Turning the basement of the church into a realistic rendition of Bethlehem is by no means a small feat.

So .. if you’re looking for a great way to start the holidays, and put the reason for the season back into yours … get to American Lutheran Church November 30 – December 4th, and take a “Walk through Bethlehem” … You Gotta Do This. And once you do, I’m sure you’ll want to do it again next year!

For more information check out: www.americanlutheran.net

Or call: 445-4548

The American Lutheran Church is located at: 1085 Scott Drive, Prescott.

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