Follow The Star And Come To Bethlehem

Come to Bethlehem is collaborative effort of several of our churches in the Pee Dee area. Bethea Baptist Retirement Community in Darlington hosts a living nativity scene that is built and supported by our local churches. Large and small churches participate and are responsible for their booths; each church brings different talents, skills and abilities to work for the common cause of telling the Pee Dee the Christmas Story.  Last year was our first year, and we had tremendous response from the community and the churches that participated. There were over 20 churches, 200 actors and actresses, and over 7,000 visits during the 3 night event.  This year, Come to Bethlehem is December 11th, 12th and 13th we hope it to be bigger and better! 

 When you arrive to the Bethlehem village, you are greeted by Roman soldiers who take command of the census booth. They command you to fill out forms by Caesar Augustus. As you approach the Village, you see the Angel Gabriel telling Mary that she will be the Mother of Christ, Mary and Joseph riding a donkey to Bethlehem, shepherds, their flocks, and the angels declaring the good news. You see the town of Bethlehem, smell smoke of wood fires and cooking fish- these are the living villages. We have money chargers, tax collectors, cloth and blanket shops, bread makers, fish markets, and food sellers.  You approach our village well, pottery shops,synagogue, blacksmiths, village scribes, and much more. The Inn is full as the Inn Keeper declares that there is “No room!” The manger has a baby, but everyone is drawn to the young mother, father, and baby in the manger. 

We would like to invite you and your family to come and live the live re-creation of the Bethlehem Village. It is held December 11th, 12th, and 13th at Bethea Baptist Retirement Community from 6:30-9 PM and is free to all. There are both people who walk and drive through the village. If you have any questions or need directions, please contact Ashley Rhodes at 877-393-2867.