Families invited to join ‘Journey to Bethlehem’

This year marks the 21^st annual  “Journey to Bethlehem” – an event that drew more than 16,500 people in 2012. This free holiday event is open to the public and is scheduled for the first two weekends of December at Harvester Christian Church, 2950 Kings Crossing in St. Charles.

Drawing on more than 700 volunteers, this live reenactment of the very first Christmas will take participants and their families back in time to experience the people, places, and circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The experience starts with an indoor stage production and then moves outdoors where guides lead families in a journey on a trail from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Along the way, participants will encounter Roman guards, wise men, live camels and goats, shepherds, angels, the bustling markets of Bethlehem, and finally the baby Jesus in a manger.

Live “journeys” will depart throughout the evening. Participants should dress for the evening’s weather and a 45-minute walking tour. At the end of the journey, free hot cocoa and homemade Christmas cookies will be provided.

The times and dates of the free Journey to Bethlehem event are: 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., Dec. 1, Dec. 2, Dec. 8 and Dec. 9. For more information, visit www.harvesterchristian.org.