Local News
‘Return to Bethlehem’ brings Christmas story to Norman Park
NORMAN PARK — A list of Elvis Presley’s Christmas songs probably wouldn’t include “Walk a Mile in My Shoes.” An annual event in Norman Park might change that.
“Return to Bethlehem,” which returns Dec. 11-13, invites the public to walk in the shoes of Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, during the events leading up to his birth.
“The story goes all the way from the temple to Caesar’s palace, to the city of Bethlehem, all the way to the manger,” said the Rev. Shane Ashley, pastor of First Baptist Church of Norman Park.
About 125 members of First Baptist dress up in period costumes to portray characters in the story, Ashley said. Tour guides take groups of about 20 people at a time from scene to scene.
Ashley said the event, which is held at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center at Norman Park, begins at 6:30 p.m. Visitors will gather at Hope Chapel for registration and groups will enter the exhibit a few minutes apart.
While awaiting their turn, visitors will be entertained by Eric Gonzalez, a member of the gospel group Three4One.
The journey through the exhibit takes about 35 minutes, Ashley said.
“We construct the city of Bethlehem somewhat,” he said. “You see Mary and the angel, and Joseph and the angel.”
Admission to the event is free. Groups are welcome.
“We like to think about it as a gift to our community,” Ashley said.
About 1,500 people came through last year, he said, and this year they’ve changed the setup of the route.
“It’s different than it’s been in years past,” he said.
Another change is the Sunday performance. The third day was added for the convenience of church groups and to better spread out the number of people who come to see the show.
