Journey to Bethlehem in North Easthope Township

Mary and Joseph watch over the recreated birth of the Christ child on Christmas Day. Gary West photo

By Gary West

The Red Barn next door to St. James Lutheran Church in North Easthope Township, northeast of Amulree, was the setting for a Journey to Bethlehem to recognize the true meaning of Christmas.

This was the 27th year church organizers have put on the play and, after two productions at 4 and 7 p.m., hundreds of attendees were very impressed with the well-written production and the local actors who recreated the nativity scene alongside live animals.

Organizers said everyone’s contribution is as important as the next, and they thanked everyone who came out and all those who worked so hard and participated again this year.

The Journey to Bethlehem at St. James Church was first organized many years ago and, even though a number of area residents were involved, organizers of this year’s production thanked North Easthope’s Sharon Lindner, who really got it started with her high energy 27 years ago.

For those who were not part of the large crowd in attendance, the play centres around a grandmother and grandfather retelling the Christmas story to their grandchildren in this live nativity scene. The night also featured the singing of Christmas carols like “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World” and “We Three Kings,” to name only a few.

It’s very much a joint effort with many members and youth of St. James, neighbouring churches and the outside community helping to make it another successful production.

Local New Hamburg veterinarian Dr. Mike Ritter has loaned his donkey, Noah, to the church for over 20 years for the production.

Several other area families have been coming for many years as part of their family’s annual Christmas tradition to tell the real meaning of Christmas with the birth of Jesus.

Organizers said they hope to be back for their 28th year next Christmas.