Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 23, 1995 TAG: 9511230013
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-15 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem; shepherds come in from the fields; wise men travel from the East.
The distances are a bit shorter, but a re-creation of the journeys associated with Christ's birth are the inspiration for the live nativity tableau "Journey to Bethlehem," which will be held for the third time in four years at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church on Dec. 22.
This year, the event has become an ecumenical communitywide celebration involving Raleigh Court United Methodist, Christ Lutheran and Virginia Heights Baptist churches.
"The idea of the pageant just lends itself to community," said Raleigh Court Presbyterian's Martha Edmonds, who is helping coordinate this year's event. "We're really excited to have the other churches join us.
The pageant, written by Raleigh Court Presbyterian pastor Tupper Garden and member Phyllis Stephens, was first produced four years ago.
In the production, three groups - representing Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Wise Men - begin their journeys to Bethlehem from different locations in the Raleigh Court neighborhood. As they wind their way through the streets, other worshipers join them for the pilgrimage to the site of Christ's birth.
"It follows logically, if we have these three origination points," other churches could be invited to join in the program, Edmonds said. Each of the other three churches is about equally distant from Raleigh Court Presbyterian.
As the costumed actors in the pageant - who come from all four congregations - get closer to the church, neighborhood residents join the group as it passes their homes. Pamphlets are passed out in the neighborhood encouraging residents to bring lights, be ready to sing carols and join the procession.
People who are unable or disinclined to join the walk meet the others in front of Raleigh Court Presbyterian for the pageant.
Edmonds figures between 300 and 400 people have witnessed the pageant in past years.
The pageant concludes with the familiar story of Mary and Joseph finding no room at the inn and being diverted to a stable.
"From the rooftop, angels suddenly appear out of the darkness. It's very dramatic - a real breathtaker for the children, especially," Edmonds said.
After the birth is enacted, the group led by the shepherds arrives, then the Wise Men.
"All of us get upset about the commercialism of Christmas. This is a chance to be involved in a Christmas program that is truly Christmas-oriented. Christ's birth is what is predominant," Edmonds said.
The whole process will take a little more than an hour, Edmonds said. Processions will begin from the church parking lots at 6:45 p.m.
by CNB