For 25 years, Livingston’s First Baptist Church has built an ancient city in just a few days. The annual event entitled “A Night in Bethlehem” allows visitors the chance to experience the original Christmas.
Livingston’s Pedigo Park off Highway 59 will host the event at 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, as the church presents a walkthrough re-creation of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. As always, the park will also be lit with many Christmas decorations to enjoy throughout.
The event began in 2001, when a staff member had taken part in a similar performance further north at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas. The staff also visited similar reenactments in Lufkin and Conroe to gather ideas.
Visitors are taken back in time through the village, with all pointing to the idea that a baby has been born. In years past, the tour ends with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. However, that will now be extended. Brad Butler, First Baptist Church’s Pastor of Students and Families, said the production this year will show that Christmas is the story of Jesus, and not just His birth.
“That’s been a change in the last couple years,” Butler said. “I think it’s more of the story, certainly recognizing the birth of Christ, but more of the life of Christ as well. It’s changing constantly. It grows and it changes every year, and this year, there are scenes that we’ve never done before. It’s always the same story, but we feel like we’re telling the story in different ways.”
It is estimated that over 250 people take part in creating the scenes, acting as characters, bringing animals, and making sure all runs smoothly.
There are two Sunday build days where about 20-50 can show up for a couple hours. The presentation has increased to require a third semi-trailer.
Britt Dickens serves as the unofficial mayor of Bethlehem for a few days, leading the building crew. He is the young adult minister at First Baptist Church. Dickens said during this week, builders will be out at the site for three to four days, making sure all is finished on time.
The sheriff’s department allows around six to 10 trustees to take part in the building process. While not allowed to attend, it is video-recorded to see what they have helped create. They then return to assist in the tear down.
“They work real hard,” Dickens said of the trustees. “They’re fun to have, and they’re out here about every day of the week. In many ways, they help us with this ministry, but we kind of get to minister to them as well, and them to us.
“We’ll have a crew of about 10-15,” Dickens said. “We have to build out both of these pavilions, which are about 60 feet by 120 feet. It is a lot of ground to cover. We have a great team who’ve been doing it for – some of them – nearly 20 years. They’re a huge help with their experience and ability. And so, it’s a job, but it’s a good one. We love doing it, and it’s really neat to see it when it all comes together.”
Around 4,000-5,000 people are expected to come through the city gates to experience Bethlehem, which is said to be around 20-30 minutes for the walkthrough. Butler said he has heard of people traveling from as far away as Dallas to take in the production. The free three-day event will be 6-8 p.m. rain or shine for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Every car arriving before 8 p.m. will be admitted, while those arriving after must be turned away.
“It’s one thing to hear the story, but to experience it for yourself and to feel like you’re a part of it – it’s an immersive experience,” Butler said. “You get to really live the story. I think everybody should get to do it. I think it really makes Christmas come alive.”
