A Walk Through Bethlehem is a 2,000 Year Old Step into Antiquity

Previously published in part on Examiner
Walk Through Bethlehem
The event remains largely unchanged from year to year. The 2010 dates and hours are:
Dec. 19, 2010
1:00 pm. to 6:00 pm.
Church Street United Methodist Church
900 Henley St.
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 524-3048
Admission Fee: None

Visitors go Knoxville and locals alike should make plans to attend Walk Through Bethlehem in Knoxville, TN at Church Street United Methodist. On this particular Sunday afternoon an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 visitors will step into the past for glimpse of an ancient city.

Volunteers transform the church into a representation of Bethlehem. It takes over 4 days of intense work by hundreds of volunteers to complete the transformation. When they are finished, the large building bears little resemblance (if any) to a modern day church structure.

The realistic event is set more than 2,000 years ago. Your Walk Through Bethlehem experience begins when you pull into the church parking lot. To make the event more authentic, several animals will be lined up as part of the outdoor display.

The line to enter the Walk Through Bethlehem in Knoxville may be long but it moves quickly. Costumed reenactors will give you glimpses of what is to come. Your first stop inside the building will lead you into the synagogue area. A Rabbi will explain everything to you once you are inside. (Remember, the keyword is authenticity.) The abbreviated service includes the blowing of the shofar. It is a deep and unmistakable sound that you are likely to always remember.

As you exit the service you will register with the census taker. Beyond that is the marketplace. Again, this is set up to represent a Bethlehem marketplace. Visitors can see metalworkers striking anvils to create bowls and household items. The Walk Through Bethlehem also has basketweavers, potters, weavers, spice grinders and other displays. All items and displays are kept as historically accurate as possible.

When you leave the church you will walk in front of the inn. The innkeeper or wife will wave you past and call out "there is no room". Just beyond the inn there is the angels and stable. This is where the rest of the story of Jesus' birth is represented and told.

Free parking for Walk Through Bethlehem is available in the church lot. The entire tour takes just over an hour. If you visit each booth and ask questions it can easily take longer. This is an educational and fun outing for couples or families.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Church Street United Methodist Church