The longest-running Nativity production in the state of North Carolina, "Return to Bethlehem," will make its four-day run at the start of December in Asheville.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry's (ABCCM) 36th year of the live, interactive Christmas scene returns Dec. 1-4 at Groce United Methodist Church on Tunnel Road.
Described as an experiential theater production, Return to Bethlehem engages the audience with more than 50 volunteers actors, dozens of local musicians, live animals and more in its reenactment of first-century Bethlehem under Roman rule during the birth of baby Jesus.
The audience begins their journey when they meet the census taker in Bethlehem. From there, they take a 30-minute journey through the serpentine set on the way to view the manger scene. Along the path, viewers will meet actors in local shops, passersby, prisoners in chains and Temple children who all speak of the rumors of rebellion against the Romans and the hardly believable rumor of their savior being in the city, born as a helpless baby in an animal pen.
Prophets cry out, Roman soldiers order people to move along, live animals sound off, and music plays as the audience is shepherded towards the end to town.
As they approach the manger, the sounds and lights dim as the audience hears the soft sounds of a real baby and its parents in the manger. There, the audience can quietly ponder the meaning of Christmas.
“It’s exciting to give this gift back to the community,” said Rev. Scott Rogers, ABCCM executive director. “You all give us so much, and we’re thankful throughout the year. Only a group of churches coming together could really tell the great big story of the people of Bethlehem, because we recreate the marketplace. It’s all about experiencing the real meaning of Christmas. We’re thankful to Groce United Methodist Church for hosting us once again.”
For 34 years, Return to Bethlehem has been what ABCCM calls its gift back to the community from its staff and its 280 member-churches for lasting Christmas tradition for all.
The production hours will be as follows:
- Thursday, Dec. 1: 6-8:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 2: 6-8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 3: 2-8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 4: 2-6 p.m.
Volunteer actors and musicians are still needed for the production. Volunteers can assist with setup, stage decoration or even play a role in the performance. To volunteer, contact Jim Brewer at jim.brewer@abccm.org or call 828-398-6818.
Return to Bethlehem is free to all, though donations are welcomed. Groce United Methodist Church is located at 954 Tunnel Road in Asheville.