Volunteers recreate Bethlehem in Manhattan Beach
“We have lawyers and engineers taking the role of Roman guards, Caesar and such,” said John Crowe, creative director. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOURNEY OF FAITH It is no simple task to recreate the entire village of Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. But for the seventh year, Journey of Faith Church in Manhattan Beach is undertaking this massive effort – from Wednesday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on the weekend – to show, not tell, the story of baby Jesus’ birth. The church is expecting more than 12,000 visitors during the five-day period of Journey to Bethlehem. The best part about the annual Christmas event is that it is entirely volunteer-based, said John Crowe, creative director. Everything from the cast to production to costume design falls into the hands of the local volunteers. “Everyone who comes and volunteers, they’re doing it because they believe in the message that they want to give out to the Manhattan Beach community—that God sent a gift to mankind and we simply want to share that,” Crowe said. Each night features a cast of more than 200 costumed actors, dozens of live animals and food from the time period. A pregnant Mary will ride a donkey into Bethlehem…
Read this story on easyreadernews.com