Ranger – For a moment in time, Mountain Folk Center was transformed into the Town of Bethlehem, where the Christ child was born.
Upon entering Bethlehem on the evening of Dec. 14, folks were taken back in time to see how things may have been at about 0 A.D.
The marketplace consisted of 30 churches and businesses, with 39 vendor tents displaying their offerings of crafts and wares. Biblical books and materials were also freely given. A donkey could be heard braying in the background, as folks moved about on a dirt and straw ground. The air was cold.
The atmosphere was loud, yet friendly, with folks inviting others to stop and hear the story of Jesus. There were children running around together and laughing, while gravitating toward the animal pen. Vendors were even offering food to the hungry “travelers” coming into town.
A brief play presented the story of the birth of Jesus as many looked on from below. Preston Mashburn is pastor of Household of Faith Baptist Church as well as organizer of One Night in Bethlehem.
June Hensley helped with the fifth annual event. She said the event was created because, “We want to provide a free event for families in our community to come to and so we can tell the true meaning of Christmas.”
The sign-in register revealed that 1442 came to the event to hear about and see the story of Christ’s birth. Folks appeared thankful that the event was made available and served as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and spirit of the season.