As we begin this Advent season, congregations across the Northern Illinois District are going out into their communities to share the story of Jesus’ birth with their communities in engaging and impactful ways. This year, several congregations are bringing community members back into first century Bethlehem to “walk the steps of the Holy Family” right here in northern Illinois. From immersive experiences to modern day parallels and deeply rooted cultural traditions, each congregation’s Bethlehem Walk brings the community into the story of Jesus’ birth in unique and interactive ways. You and your family and friends are invited to join in the celebration of Jesus’ birth alongside all of our congregations in the Northern Illinois District. To “walk the streets of Bethlehem” we invite you to join St. Andrew’s, Park Ridge; Bethlehem, West Dundee; St. Paul, Mount Prospect; and Vida y Fe, Elgin this Advent season.
Bethlehem Walk at St. Andrew’s, Park Ridge:
When: Saturday, December 1 from 3-8 p.m. and Sunday, December 2 from 3-7 p.m.
Where: 260 N. Northwest Highway; Park Ridge, IL; 60068
Make a Reservation and Learn More: http://www.standrewsparkridge.org/bethlehem-walk
*Portions of this Bethlehem Walk take place outdoors. Please dress warmly
- “Prepare to be hassled by tax collectors and Roman guards, see choirs of angels and hear the words of faithful prophets. Enter into Caesar’s court and enter the stable for a live nativity.”
- For the past 17 years, eager volunteers at St. Andrew’s have helped to re-create the journey the Holy Family took as they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This year, over 150 volunteers will transform St. Andrew’s’ campus to a living, breathing picture of the 1st century Middle East. Each individual of the more than 1,000 people who gather at St. Andrew’s the first weekend in December will have a personal sense of what it was like to be alive in the time and place where the King of kings was born.
- Pastor Matt Hoffmann describes St. Andrew’s Bethlehem Walk as being “all about relationships.” Groups of 10-15 people head out on the 30 minute walk every 10 minutes. When individuals journey through Bethlehem, look into the manger, see infant Jesus, then see the cross hanging behind him, they are reminded of why Jesus came. In the midst of all that, they’re alongside others. After the walk, when they gather inside as a group, together the groups which have traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem together can process their years in the light of the cross and the miracle of Christ’s birth. It’s all about relationships: relationships between God and man as well as relationships with other believers.
Bethlehem Christmas Live at Bethlehem, West Dundee:
When: Friday, December 7 from 6-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 8 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: 4th Street side entrance at 401 W. Main St.; West Dundee, IL; 60118
Make a Reservation and Learn More: http://bethlehemdundee.org/bethlehem-christmas-live/
*Portions of this Bethlehem Walk take place outdoors. Please dress warmly
- Bethlehem, West Dundee eagerly reaches into their community to share the Good News of what Jesus has done for us through their Bethlehem Christmas Live. Guides gather small groups to lead them through a 30 minute walking tour. Along the tour, volunteers act out scenes which portray events from before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. First, groups see Gabriel appear to Mary–telling her she will be the mother of Jesus. They see Mary and Joseph learn “there’s no room.” They watch as shepherds hear the news of Jesus’ birth, and then they follow up with the shepherds as they visit the Holy Family. Guests see the three kings bring gifts to a young Jesus, and finally, they see Jesus in the modern day, meeting a young girl and her family in a struggle which many people also encounter. Jesus teaches the young girl of grace, forgiveness, and love. This last scene is an especially important one for the leaders at Bethlehem, West Dundee. The struggle which is portrayed in that scene is different from year to year and addresses issues, such as divorce and bullying, which allow members of the community to relate their personal lives to the story of Jesus’ birth. Community members walk away from that scene with the lasting, impactful reminder–Jesus is for them–every day–and they need Him in their lives.
- After the outdoor Bethlehem Christmas Live, people are invited to come inside for crafts, cookie decorating, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus (Friday evening) and/or one of Bethlehem’s “Band of Brothers” comfort dogs (both evenings).
Bethlehem Walk at St. Paul, Mount Prospect:
When: Sunday, December 9 at 3:30 p.m.
Where: St. Paul’s school gym; 18 S. School St.; Mount Prospect, IL; 60056
Make a Reservation and Learn More: http://www.saint-paul.org/church/event/bethlehem-walk-2/
*Portions of this Bethlehem Walk take place outdoors. Please dress warmly
- At St. Paul, Mount Prospect’s Bethlehem Walk, small groups are led by a shepherd as they search high and low for baby Jesus. As groups travel from station to station, they hear angels sing, talk with wise men and census takers, interact with animals in a petting zoo, and listen to King Herod’s reaction to the news of the birth of the “king of the Jews.” After rotating from station to station, the shepherds lead the groups to come together as one where they sing songs and hear a short sermon sharing the Good News of Jesus.
La Posada at Vida y Fe, Elgin:
When: Sunday, December 16 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1111 Van St.; Elgin, IL; 60123
*Portions of this Bethlehem Walk take place outdoors. Please dress warmly
- Las Posadas is a Hispanic tradition celebrated in Latin America, Cuba, and in many Hispanic communities in the United States. The tradition honors the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Across the world, groups process from door to door from December 16 through December 24 as a representation of Mary and Joseph’s search for a resting place for Jesus’ birth. They are continually told “there is no room.” At last, they are welcomed in, and the procession celebrates with piñatas, candy, and delicious food. It is a wonderful tradition, and Vida y Fe loves to celebrate it with their community. They also know for many people, however, it is just that: a tradition–without much spiritual meaning. So with great intention, Pastor Jorge Mazariegos and the leaders at Vida y Fe welcome the community to share in their tradition while proclaiming it’s spiritual significance. Once the procession is greeted to come inside, Pastor Mazariegos shares the Gospel message with them. Just as the tradition is marked by a search and a birth, Pastor Mazariegos shares how similarly people in our culture continue to search for meaning and purpose in their lives, but through the Word and Holy Spirit, we pray Jesus will be “born” in the hearts of more and more people. This is the most wonderful reason to celebrate, so, just as they would in Hispanic tradition, the procession continues on, with the Good News of Jesus fresh in their minds, to celebrate with piñatas, games, prizes, and delicious food. Pastor Mazariegos says for Vida y Fe, La Posada is all about “loving people–loving our community–it’s a way to celebrate tradition and to give a message of Jesus.”
If your congregation has a Bethlehem Walk, please comment on our Facebook page or contact Sarah at editor@nidlcms.org. We would love to share more about it with other congregations in the Northern Illinois District.
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