Bethlehem in Chandlersville: A Walk Through Christmas

CHANDLERSVILLE, OH – The Chandlersville community is preparing for their annual Christmas event.

The Bethlehem Walk is a free community event held on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of after Thanksgiving, rain or shine. It is a live re-creation of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. The events mission is to inform the community while also giving hope during hard times.

Bethlehem Walk volunteer Stephanie Hill says this is something the community looks forward to every year.

“I think the reason why people started this so many years ago is to kick off the Christmas season with the greatest story ever told. The greatest hope in the world is that Jesus came to Earth as a baby in Bethlehem but grew up to die on the cross and save us,” Hill said. “That’s the hope we want to offer the world right now especially when times are sometimes not super hopeful that no matter what, this is a story that brings us all hope.”

More than 20 years ago, a few local churches came together to celebrate the birth of Jesus by organizing a nativity event. This idea blossomed into a beloved tradition, which continues each year thanks to the support of the community.

Volunteer Adam Caldwell has been a guide with the Bethlehem Walk for two years.

“It felt like a really important role, to see the children’s eyes pop when they start to get things, when they’re attending,” Caldwell said. “You teach them in Sunday school, but for them to see the actual event happen is pretty moving.”

Volunteer roles are still needed if you would like to be a part of this event. There are openings for Roman soldiers, marketplace workers and other non-speaking roles.

Those interested can reach out to Bethlehem Walk on Facebook.