Anilrgowda

SIERRA VISTA — Acting as beggars, angels, Mary and more, volunteers recreated the story of the birth of Jesus Christ on Wednesday night.

The “Walk-thru Bethlehem” at Mountain View Assembly of God, 102 N. Colombo Ave., was started in 2000. The free show features about 60 volunteer performers and various stages set outdoors.“It’s a gift to the community. The true meaning of Christmas,” said director Juanita Adamson.

The show begins with a tour guide to show visitors through Bethlehem. Guests will met a beggar, a potter and a Roman centurion who each have a special purpose in the story, Adamson said.

Then the guests are counted in a Roman census.

“That’s why Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem,” she said.

Shepherds and worship dancers also will perform, along with a choir of “angels,” which is new to the show this year.

“And they’ll finally end up in at the stable with baby Jesus,” Adamson said.

Adamson said she hopes the performance will teach the community about Jesus Christ. Last year the show was performed for about 1,000 people, she said.

“We hope God will bless those who come to see it,” she added.

Brenda Epps was one of the first to take the tour.

Though she had come last year, she was surprised by the performance this year.

“It was a totally new experience,” she said.

“It gets you in the Christmas spirit.”

Donations for the Salvation Army also are being collected during the shows.

Hot cocoa and cookies are provided before the 20-minute tour.

The church also has a petting zoo for children at the end of the tour.

Herald/Review reporter Laura Ory can be reached at 515-4683 or by e-mail at laura.ory@svherald.com.

------------------