“Walk to the First Christmas” Attracts Hundreds at VFMC

Dec 20, 2012

Photo: Margaret Page and Smokey Joe, two of the actors in the VFMC's fourth annual “A Walk to the First Christmas”

Now in its fourth year, the Verona Free Methodist Church's annual “Walk to the First Christmas” is still attracting hundreds of visitors. The idea of inviting visitors to come and experience what living in the first century at the time of Jesus' birth and to witness the unfolding of the events leading up to that day was the brain child of VFM church member and youth volunteer Scott Ball, who dreamed up the idea four years ago as a way of telling the story of the birth of Jesus in an exciting and hands-on way. The event gets better every year and this year the addition of live animals - an assortment of chickens and one very well behaved donkey - made the walk even more wondrous for visitors who come back to enjoy it year after year.

Preparation for the event, which involves 45 actors and crew members, began months ago as volunteers spent countless hours transforming the main floor and basement of the church into a series of Biblical scenes that depict the times before, during and following the birth of Jesus. Upon entering the church visitors are split into groups of 8-10 people and are escorted by a biblical tour guide through the various scenes, which begin with Zechariah, who is informed by an angel that his barren wife Elizabeth will have a son, John. From there visitors proceed to the home of Mary where she is visited by the angel Gabriel who tells her that she will give birth to Jesus. Visitors then watch Mary and Joseph ride a donkey to an inn that is full and see them take refuge in the manger where the birth takes place. The group is then led to a field where a host of angels sing heavenly praises. Visitors also have a chance to dine in the throne room at the palace of Herod where they enjoy a meal of unleavened bread, hummus, roast beef, root vegetables and an assortment of olives, almonds cucumbers and cheese. They watch the three kings come bearing gifts and their last stop is a visit outside of the church to a tent where they see Mary and Joseph cradling the tiny baby Jesus.

For church pastor Jeff Nault, the walk is one that brings “a sense of fun and intrigue to the biblical story that we aim to present in a truthful and creative way." For those who have yet to experience A Walk to the First Christmas, it is well worth the one hour that it takes to be transported back in time to the time and place of Jesus' birth.