The Road to Bethlehem

Every family has it’s traditions during the Christmas season. Stephane Millien writes of a experience being added to the to-do list of many holiday makers.

As we stood in line and waited for the large gates to open, I shared their sense of excitement and expectation. Actually, I knew what was hidden behind those grand gates but wasn’t about to give anything away to my niece and nephew.
It was nearly Christmas in 2006.
A time for family, fellowship and full stomachs—but most importantly, another occasion to witness the innocence of childish anticipation and delight. In just a few minutes, our number would be called.
Beyond those gates rested a different world, waiting to be explored.
We would venture into the market streets of ancient Jerusalem, acquaint ourselves with merchants, mingle with the peasants and stand in the king’s palace—all while being barked at by Roman soldiers.
Last but not least, our journey would lead us into the stable, with the manger and birthplace of Jesus Christ. These are some of the scenes that make up “Road to Bethlehem,” a free annual community event that brings to life the story of Jesus’ birth.
“Road to Bethlehem” was originally founded as a drive-through event by a church group in the United States.
However, in 1995, members of the Nunawading Seventh-day Adventist church introduced a walk-through adaptation of the program in Melbourne.
The first event was held over two nights, with some 600 visitors in attendance. Early support was beyond any of the organisers’ wildest dreams, and within a few years, “Road to Bethlehem” was extended over four nights, becoming a fixture on many people’s Christmas calendars. The program has since been duplicated interstate and you can now walk the “Road to Bethlehem” in Erina, New South Wales, Canning Vale, Western Australia and the original site in Nunawading, Victoria. Those involved with the Melbourne event have helped other churches and volunteers to successfully recreate the original concept.
Last December, more than 13,000 people from local communities attended this fascinating Christmas production.
“This program is one of the greatest things we could offer the community,” says Des Bennett, a committee member from “Road to Bethlehem” in Melbourne.
“We advertise it as our gift to the community, and our first aim is to present the story and birth of Christ.” “Over and over again, we get very positive comments and statements that the ‘Road to Bethlehem’ program has become a much anticipated part of families’ annual Christmas tradition,” adds Stephen Jones, committee member from “Road to Bethlehem” in Western Australia.
So what makes “Road to Bethlehem” a must-see event for thousands each year? Is it a truthful account of Jesus’ birth, in a time when Christmas means little more than gift wrappings and Santa Claus to the average household? This is one answer but there are many more. Looking down at the face of a half-boy, half-tiger, I knew I had found another reason. Behind the paint on my nephew’s face was a smile stretching from cheek to cheek, which couldn’t be wiped off as easily as the paint. With his sweaty hand clutching tightly to mine, I could feel every bit of his anticipation.

My little nephew showed me that “Road to Bethlehem” effectively educates young ones about Jesus, just as it does for adults. “We’ve had a lot of parents approach us and say ‘thank you for telling my kids about Jesus,’” says Mr Bennett. These children are a driving force behind the dedication and commitment of the volunteer cast and crew.
“Our front rows are often filled with children” says Rose Smith, drama coordinator of “Road to Bethlehem” in Erina. “Our own church children just love being a part of the drama and last year, we had 30 children participate in a cast of 200.” However, it’s not only the church children who are getting involved. “Last year, our 40-strong angel choir was sourced from the Central Coast Adventist School. Many of these young people are not Adventists,” says Miss Smith.
And the program has an effect on both participants and visitors to “Road to Bethlehem,” drawing young children and their families closer to Jesus.
“The number of times we have seen people of all ages and walks of life get emotional at the final scene, when they meet the baby Jesus, has impressed on us the need to continue introducing our community to the reality of the infant birth of Jesus,” says Mr Jones.
Simply put, “Road to Bethlehem” provides a unique opportunity to ignite “happiness” in a season built on the very word. Many community members now claim the program as the spiritual time of Christmas for their family.
And the volunteers work tirelessly to provide free entertainment for the children and families, even before the long lines get through those gates. Everything from the free crafts, face painting, play equipment, Pinnacle of Terror, live musicians and Christmas carols are presented for the enjoyment of those in attendance. Visitors are welcome to make donations at the end of the walkthrough tour, if they feel impressed to do so.
In most cases, the committee and staff are beginning preparation for next year’s event almost immediately after the conclusion of the current year’s program.
“The complexity of providing multiple scenes, elaborate costumes, training actors and providing support staff to operate sound, lighting and maintenance requires year-round planning and preparation,” says Darrell Croft, a former committee member in Melbourne. “While the entire atmosphere is one of fun and joy, it also has a powerful spiritual tone, which makes a lasting impression on all who attend.” And “lasting impression” is surely the right word. In 2003, “Road to Bethlehem” in Melbourne was honoured by winning an Australia Day Community Achievement Award. The Mayor and CEO of the City of Whitehorse made the presentation, in recognition of the event’s “significant contribution to the City of Whitehorse.”

There is no doubting that “Road to Bethlehem” is clearly having an impact in all three locations, with the program fast becoming a major community event, as well as an opportunity for the church groups involved to tell their communities about Jesus. According to Miss Smith, “‘Road to Bethlehem’ has already become the most significant high-profile event presented by Adventist churches on the Central Coast. It not only raises community awareness of the Adventist Church but also creates greater exposure for other community outreach programs.
“Last year over three nights, approximately 2000 people stepped back in time and journeyed through the Jerusalem gates into a first-century marketplace.
This was triple the numbers we had previously,” says Miss Smith.
The impact of bringing Jesus’ birth to life has been so successful that neighbouring churches have been inspired to adopt the program as an outreach of their own.
“We know from feedback that many of our neighbouring churches are using our ‘Road to Bethlehem’ event to introduce their friends to Jesus. One neighbouring church pastor told us that ‘Road to Bethlehem’ is their church’s number one outreach program each year,” says Mr Jones.
In Victoria, the Geelong Seventh-day Adventist church, inspired by “Road to Bethlehem,” launched an Easter event in 2000, which they call “Road to Calvary.” The event has a similar style to “Road to Bethlehem” and has been growing in attendance each year.
Although “Road to Bethlehem” is an initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist church, the program is not only designed for Christians but those interested in discovering the true meaning of Jesus’ birth.
“We don’t have a ‘baited hook’ in our program—rather, we want people to accept His story as our gift and for God to impress,” says Miss Smith. “We feel this approach encourages more community members to attend. Last year, the queue at the gates was half a kilometre long on opening night.” The growth in attendance is pleasing for those who put so much work into creating the event each year. But it isn’t just about attracting crowds. Ultimately, “Road to Bethlehem” is a program that directs people to Jesus as their first priority.
“The best moments are when people are given a memory of church and restore their relationship with Jesus,” says Mr Bennett.
“A friend of mine made a commitment to God after seeing ‘Road to Bethlehem’ last year,” wrote one visitor in the program’s guestbook. The comment is one example of how the story of the birth of Jesus can make a difference in someone’s life. And that’s what “Road to Bethlehem” is all about.

For more information about “Road to Bethlehem” in your state visit: