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It’s Christmas time! Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with “The Bethlehem Journey” here at First Reformed Church of Portage. We’ll transport you back in time to the streets of Bethlehem at the time of the census. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph, encountering those they may have encountered as they looked for shelter back in town of their ancestors. Finally catch up with the baby Jesus in the manger, all the while remembering that he is the reason for the season and filling your hearts with the true Spirit of Christmas.Times
Thursday, December 5: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday, December 6: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 7: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Cost
FREE! We put this on as a gift to our community. We do incur expenses due to building sets and serving refreshments for over a thousands guests in three days. There will be a place to offer a donation to help cover expenses, but nothing is expected!
What to expect
When you arrive, you will be greeted, given a group number/color, and directed to the sanctuary where there will be music, videos, and other various entertainments. Children will be offered an activity pack that has a coloring page and a small snack.
When it is your group’s turn to take the journey, a leader will call you, then lead you through an interactive play that takes you through an interpretation of the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus. The journey is mostly indoors, but there is a short period outside in the shepherds’ fields and the stable (so keep your coats handy). Your travels will take about 20 minutes.
Is this appropriate for kids?
YES! This play is full of fun for all ages. Some of the highlights for the kiddos will be the market place and the live animals. No matter what your age, you will be both blessed and entertained.
Are you going to “preach” to me?
We are a church speaking about the birth of our Savior, and we celebrate Him unapologetically. But this is also our gift to the community. This event is meant to present the history behind Jesus’s birth in an entertaining way that everyone can enjoy, whether they attend church or not. The sanctuary time will have information about our church and services and some fun Bible trivia, but there will not be a “preaching” time.
What to wear
Dress for the weather, though 90% of the journey is inside. Expect to be outside for approximately 10 minutes to see the star of the show – Baby Jesus – and the live animals.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
7905 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI, United States, Michigan 49002
