Biblical story draws people to Bakersville
Jaren Gragg
Contributor
Journey to the Manger brought the community of Bakersville and event attendees together, bringing the Christmas story to life and reminding everyone of the “reason for the season.”
The annual two-night event was held over the weekend, at Bowman Middle School. The Journey to the Manger transported people back in time to first-century Bethlehem. This live retelling of the nativity was a walk-through of live scenes that began with a Roman census and the journey Mary and Joseph had and culminated with the birth of Jesus and the manger in Bethlehem. Guides introduced each of the scenes and shared biblical passages to make the story come to life.
Sharon Rowland, associated with Christmas ‘Neath the Roan, mentioned that each scene of Journey to the Manger was sponsored or created by local churches, families, and individuals. Rowland added that there were more than 100 actors and volunteers who were helping behind the scenes. Twelve local churches in the area were involved in making this event possible.
For many around the community, the Journey to the Manger has become a Christmas tradition with church groups, families, along with individuals from Mitchell and the surrounding counties attending both nights of the event.
Rowland said that this is a way for people to realize that they need Jesus and the salvation that comes by him. Rowland also said that during the past years that there were close to 700 people who came to see the production and expect the same amounts this year, even with the wintery weather and cooler temperatures over the weekend.
Rowland said that the most important part of the two-night live nativity was to share the gospel with anyone who attended.
“It is an incredible experience to be able to share the birth of Jesus and to see that he’s still alive and, like the nativity scene said, he’s here for you,” she said.
Getting prepared for an interactive nativity such as Journey to the Manger requires extensive planning from many different people and manpower to make it the best that it can be. Owen Young, who helped with many aspects of the production, including lighting and sound, said it takes a special and talented group of people to bring an event like this to the community. Young noted that the churches and individuals who contributed to Journey to the Manger were a special group whose dedication made the production possible.
“We have the perfect group of people here; they know what they are doing,” Young said
Young said that it took multiple days of preparation to get everything set up and ready for the two-day event. Young also mentioned the tenacity of the many actors who took part in the play, practicing and studying their lines, getting ready for the play.
Andy Palmer, a volunteer at the event, echoed Young’s sentiment and says he thinks it gets better and better every year. Palmer hopes the community continues to support events like this and comes out to take part. Palmer also thinks that being able to hold this event and have all the churches and the community participate is a wonderful thing. Palmer is also looking forward to next year’s Journey to the Manger.