Journey to Bethlehem review in Windham, NH

Last week we went to the Journey to Bethlehem at Windham Bible Chapel in Windham, NH. This is a fun filled and FREE event which focuses on the REAL meaning of the season. The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NOTE: This event is over with for the 2010 season). This event ususally occurs the 1st weekend in December (Thursday through Saturday).

We arrived around 7PM on a Saturday evening and were greeted with "Shalom" from the greeters dressed up in Sheppards clothing. This year there was no line during this time (in years past we have waited up to 35 minutes in line). The "pre-show" takes place inside the chapel's sanctuary. Once inside you are seated in one of the rows of chairs with your group.(Depending on what time you are seated is what part of the show you see.) There is a combonition of continuous live action skits during the time of the prophets from Moses to Mary (along with a slide presentation). During the presentation the guides usher one row out of the santuary at a time out into a small room where you are given name scrolls. Your "family members" (also dressed up in hebrew garb) arrive and you get going on your journey. The rest of the event is an outdoor walking event.

There are several stops including the map maker, roman guards, three wisemen, sheppards, and finally to the Bethlehem inn and stable. The last scene is of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Each stop has a roaring warm fire where you can gather around to keep warm! Each station there is a small presentation (about the Christmas story) that takes about less than 5 minutes. The paths are lit up by candlelight in pails. Hot chocolate is served in the lobby of the church an another even bigger fire is in the front of the church.

We have been going to the Journey of Bethlehem for quite some time now. Each year it seems to be getting better and better. The Roman Guards are move animated and more involved (even have two new stopping poings) so make sure you hold on to your name scrolls. There seems more barn animals.

Unfortunately the Journey to Bethlehem is over for this Christmas season.

Overall this event is wonderful, free, and like I mention celebrates the real reason for the season. Only advice - dress WARM dress very warm!