The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 2: Afton's Bethlehem Village and the greatest story ever told

Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas.

Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss.

Bethlehem Village in Afton is back this year, much to the delight of thousands who have made it an annual Christmas tradition. One of the nation's longest-running and largest re-enactments of the true story of Christmas, it is free and will run from 6-9:00 p.m. nightly now through December 17. On  Sunday, December 15, it will open early and run from 5-9:00 p.m.

The recreated village was built on the grounds of Hebron Baptist Church complete with shops that include working olive press, carpenters, music, scribe, and weapons shops as well as live camels, over 50 costumed reenactors of the time of Christ's birth, a living nativity, the inn, and singing angels.

In the quiet cold in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you are absorbed into the time and place in a way that is unique and presents a moving experience for young and old alike. Watch out for the Roman soldiers! They may stop to inquire as to why you are there ... they are suspicious of strangers. Check out the animals and the houses ... talk with the shop keepers and village dwellers ... sit by the fire and warm up.

The website describes the experience: "As visitors wander the village they’ll find that the inn is full, the streets are crowded with the masses in town to register for the census, livestock in the nearby stables seem restless, and there is a palpable energy as an inexplicably bright star beams brightly into the Afton night. As Roman guards patrol the streets, little does anyone in Bethlehem realize they are on the precipice of history as the birth of the coming Messiah takes place in a meager stable, changing the world and its course forever."

Bethlehem Village is a ministry of Rockfish Valley churches and community members, a gift of love to surrounding communities.  For more information on the village including directions and special events during the week please visit the Bethlehem Village website.

Dress warmly and be ready to walk through living history. I promise it will be an evening you won't forget.

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 1: Olde Richmond's Christmas of yesteryear ... Miller & Rhoads' Christmas windows and the Legendary Santa

New superintendent named for Blue Ridge Parkway

Mark Woods, 53, has been named the new superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, according to Thursday's Roanoke Times. A long-time veteran of the National Park Service, the Times noted that his leadership comes at a rocky time in Park history:

Woods takes over during a precarious time in the parkway’s 78-year history. The parkway has a $400 million backlog of maintenance projects. The federal budget sequester forced automatic 5 percent cuts, which amounted to a $740,000 reduction. Several sites along the parkway were forced to close this year, including Roanoke Mountain Campground, the Rocky Knob Visitor Center and the Smart View picnic area.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
Milepost 0 of Blue Ridge Parkway
Afton, Virginia

A walk in the clouds ... maintaining the Appalachian Trail (Rockfish to Reeds Gap)

I enjoy hearing from the folks who are intimately involved with upkeep and involvement along the mountains as is the case with "Merlot" (her trail name). She is one of a number of volunteers in charge of upkeep along the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap nineteen miles south, and including Afton Mountain and Humpback Rock. No one loves nature and Virginia's mountains more than those who actually put sweat equity into making sure hiking trails are maintained for thru-hikers as well as day-trippers.

Merlot authors a blog, Rockfish to Reeds, that chronicles not only those who work on the trails but those who hike them.

So how did this pathway in the clouds all come to be? Merlot's post, "Appalachian Trail: The Roof of the East Coast," notes:

I suspect large numbers of the hiking public give little thought to the 'nitty gritty' of the trail, either how it was built (a common misconception is that it was an old 'Indian path') or the fact that 'somebody' needs to keep the trail in hiking condition and exactly who those 'somebodys' are. I was on the AT one day during weed season and weed whipping away with a swing blade when a group of hikers came by. One of them, a very nice lady, kindly asked me "How much is the government paying you to do this?" She was absolutely serious and sincere with that question and she was totally amazed when I answered "I am being paid nothing ..... you are on the Appalachian Trail which is maintained by volunteers!"

Merlot's love of the mountains and the trail is evident in this post and especially in the last sentence: "As magnificent as the 'simple path' itself might be with all its wonders, its true 'heart' lies in every single volunteer maintainer who works so hard to keep the Appalachian Trail alive."

Volunteers are the heart of any organization, and the Appalachian Trail is no different. I've enjoyed those mountain trails for years and am especially appreciative of the work that goes into beating back brush and weeds that encroach these pathways through the forests. A tip of the cap to all the hard-working volunteers whose hours of labor often goes unheralded but who are appreciated.

Thanks, Merlot and fellow team members!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Snow closed Afton's Bethlehem this year ... the rest of the story

In December, did you click on the Village of Bethlehem website and see this?

Bethlehem Alive 2009 ... Due to Extraordinary Snow, Bethlehem Village will not be open for 2009.

For 10 years the village of Bethlehem has come alive in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia as visitors near and far enter the recreated village and step back to the time when Christ was born.

This past December was no different as volunteers worked for weeks preparing the Bethlehem Village located at Hebron Baptist Church in Afton. It was set to open December 18, the day of the big snowstorm that became known as the Blizzard of 2009, when two feet of snow fell over western Virginia. Bethlehem was cancelled and could not open for the 2009 season.

I contacted the good folks at Hebron Church to ask how the snowstorm and the decision not to open had affected them. Mr. Wallace responded and I thought it may be of interest to those who have become regular visitors to this Christmas tradition:

Hello!

I read your note on your blog and thank you for it! I could not have been more shocked at the closing but since I made the decision, it was done. The snow was piled high and tight.

A faithful member took his tractor down and then had to drag square bales of hay all over the village to feed the animals by foot. We rent them from the zoo at around $3,000 each year. They do not come with a keeper, so someone in our church takes that on. This was the first year for Billy and he did a great job with the feed and watering.

Two of the tents we rent came down due to overload of snow.

There was no way we could have opened the village. The streets were full of snow, doorways had 4-foot drifts in them, and the parking lot was not passable.

Our biggest concern was if we opened, and someone was hurt in an accident trying to get to our village, how would we feel. We spent hours getting everything ready, but it was more important to us to have everyone safe, most of all, our visitors.

Perhaps we can open next year, perhaps not. All the money we collect as donations goes back into the village for repairs, update, and, of course, renting animals and tents. So we will leave it in the Lord's hands ... only He knows what this next year will bring.

Blessings to you and all your web friends!

If your family has been blessed by Bethlehem over the years and would consider a donation to help pay off this year's event so that next year may be possible, checks may be sent to the church. Be sure to note that the donation is for "Bethlehem Alive":

Hebron Baptist Church
66 Tanbark Drive
Afton, Va. 22920
(540) 456-6863

And, by the way, the church does not know I am posting this information for donations. Bethlehem has been a blessing to my family and we have donated in the hope Hebron will be able to continue a tradition that has touched thousands over the years. Perhaps others will donate, too.

An Augusta County family's journey to Afton's "Bethlehem"

[On Christmas Eve, I received the following email from Augusta County businessman Tom Sheets. I had written about the Bethlehem Village at Afton in the SWAC-GOP News and on this blog, and he wrote to tell me of his experience. With permission, I share his heart-warming message.]

Last Friday night, three not-so-wise people set out on a journey to find Bethlehem. The night seemed to be darker than normal, particularly when they could not locate what they came for. While traveling further down the mountain and questioning the driver’s lack of direction, there suddenly appeared in the East a beam of light which led us not only to Bethlehem but right to the manger!

In today’s world with shrinking economies and increasing trials and turmoil, the story of the birth of Jesus is as meaningful as ever. The light never left this world –- some people are now more receptive.

I “gave up” my Friday night with my usual cast of characters and asked my mother-in-law and [wife] Peggy to come with me. We all were moved by the light symbolism and the atmosphere of Bethlehem -– of course we know the story -– but this year it was good to refresh our faith.

I was not aware of this display until your email -– thank you!

We have shared this story with our church and several have taken their own “personal” journey.

Thank you again and God Bless you and your family.

Merry Christmas!

Tom

My thanks for allowing the story to be shared.

Bethlehem Village at Afton ... open now through Tuesday

A tradition and an experience that takes us back in time 2,000 years to the birth of Christ ... from The Bethlehem Project website:

Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas.

Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss.

Open daily Friday, December 19 thru Tuesday, December 23, from 6-9 pm. Admission is free to the public. Donations are accepted for the Village and Restaurant to help with costs. Gift shop available.

Hispanic Tour: This year we will have a guided tour in Spanish starting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 23.

Communion Service: Join us for Communion in the Village on Tuesday, December 23, at 8:30 pm.

Special Afternoon Hours: This year we will open at 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 21 (one day only), to allow visitors to enjoy the Village during day light hours.

Location: We are located near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia just minutes from Interstates 64 and 81. Our street address is:

Hebron Baptist Church
66 Tanbark DriveAfton, Va. 22920
Click here for a map to Hebron Baptist Church.
For more information call (540)456-6863.

Background: The Bethlehem Village Project is a community effort of local churches and friends from the Afton, Waynesboro and Charlottesville, Virginia, area. The village is located on the grounds of Hebron Baptist Church in Afton, Virginia, and is maintained by the generous efforts of this fellowship.

History: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains a highly dedicated group of volunteers is transporting delighted spectators back to the 1st century with one of the longest continuous running "Village of Bethlehem" productions in the country. The Bethlehem Project was conceived in 1999 by Rev. Jim Ailor (Hebron Baptist Church pastor at the time), who, having studied a miniature model of Bethlehem and the nativity, decided to recreate historic Bethlehem for people to experience firsthand. He rallied members of Hebron and surrounding churches together to create a temporary village during those first few years. It began with just a few shops and characters in the parking lot of the church. Each year the village was erected and dismantled for the event.

In 2004 Hebron Baptist donated land to allow the village to be constructed as a permanent collection of buildings and stables. It continues to grow each year in its scope and dramatic portrayals while still maintaining the authentic feel of a small village around the 1st century.

It is well worth following the star to the Bethleham Village at Hebron Baptist Church at Afton.

Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley ... the Bethlehem Village at Afton

Discover the true meaning of Christmas ... the birth of Christ ... when you enter the Bethlehem Project presented by Hebron Baptist Church in the Blue Ridge foothills of Nelson County.

A recreated village of Bethlehem, you are absorbed into the time and place in a way that is unique and presents a moving experience for young and old alike. Watch out for the Roman soldiers! They may stop you to inquire as to why you are there ... they are suspicious of strangers. Check out the animals and the houses ... talk with the shop keepers and village dwellers ... sit by the fire and warm up.

This is the last weekend ... tonight, Saturday, and Sunday (Dec. 21-23) from 6-9:00 p.m. It is cold ... wear appropriate clothing. It is dark ... follow the torches and bonfires. It is reverent ... appropriate behavior should be observed.

It is well worth the trip which is about 30 minutes east of the SWAC area. There is no cost but they take donations. The members of the church have done this for a number of years.

From the Bethlehem Project webside:

There are just three nights left to experience Bethlehem for 2007. We will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights thru December 23rd from 6 to 9 PM. Be aware that there is the possibility of rain on Sunday in our area.

What to expect when you visit....

Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas.

Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss.

Directions: Hebron Baptist Church is located minutes from I-64 and I-81. Click here for a map.

Hebron Baptist Church
66 Tanbark Drive
Afton, Va. 22920
(540) 456-6868

Merry Christmas!