Western Oaks Baptist Church offers us a very enjoyable piece of Bethlehem these days, as several devouts revived the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth and did not forget about significant details and personas, such as King Herod, the Wise Men and a peaceful manger scene.

Following a one-year pause, the church, located West of Springfield, brought to light again its well-known Journey to Bethlehem, an entertaining and enlightening inside trip that features a cast of costumed characters and animals. Almost 200 members of the church have offered to help and lent organizers a hand with the tending of parking lots and the sets painting, among other activities. The current result represents the conclusion of three and a half months of preparations.

Mindy Ingram, the head set designer, explained that her work and her colleagues’ efforts are part of an incredible project that aims at bringing warmth to the hearts of people.

This period is packed with music programs, short plays, spectacles and special services, which will continue until Christmas. Many people got involved in various activities, including choirs, orchestras and the building of Nativity scenes.

For instance, Fairview United Methodist Church’s “Little Bethlehem” has been one of the church’s most important traditions for almost two decades.

Visitors are able to take a look at the interactive town guided by a person dressed in shepherd, whose main purpose is to find Christ. Thus, visitors can discuss with the characters and ask the gatekeeper and the innkeeper for directions. They finally arrive at the stable where the discover Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus and observe how the three Wise Men offer Jesus gifts.