The Coaster
Monday, January 30, 2023
No Result
View All Result
  • Browse News by Town
    • Allenhurst
    • Asbury Park
    • Avon
    • Bradley Beach
    • Deal
    • Interlaken
    • Loch Arbour
    • Long Branch
    • Neptune
    • Neptune City
    • Ocean Grove
    • Ocean Township
    • Tinton Falls
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
Subscribe / Renew
  • Browse News by Town
    • Allenhurst
    • Asbury Park
    • Avon
    • Bradley Beach
    • Deal
    • Interlaken
    • Loch Arbour
    • Long Branch
    • Neptune
    • Neptune City
    • Ocean Grove
    • Ocean Township
    • Tinton Falls
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Coaster
No Result
View All Result
Home Neptune

Visit the Streets of Bethlehem with Basket Weavers and Roman Soldiers

by The Coaster Editorial Staff
December 5, 2018
in Neptune
3
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare via EmailShare on Twitter

Each year, West Grove United Methodist Church in Neptune transforms its Fellowship Hall and church grounds into an  re-creation of the streets of Bethlehem on the night Jesus Christ was born.

Visitors to Bethlehem experience the sounds, sights and excitement of that first night. They interact with others milling about the busy streets such as the women at the well, beggars looking for alms, the Census taker, money changer, street musicians and the not to be forgotten Roman soldiers.

The crowded marketplace in Bethlehem was the heart of the town’s activities. The Potter is forming bowls and other vessels for household use; the carpenter is constructing and repairing implements and the tax collector “demands’ money from visitors who are in town to “register” for the census.

There are market vendors such as the basket weaver, yarn dyer and weaver, baker, fishmonger, seller of fine spices, cheese maker, henna artist, etc. who encourage the visitors to “buy” their exotic wares with the Roman ‘coins’ received when first entering the city.

Many of the market vendors are offering samples of fish, olives, dates, figs, vegetables, spices, cheese, honey, humus, bread, and other various foods of that time period.

All characters are fully costumed and engage visitors in improvisational conversation. The gossip along the streets involves all who will listen. “Have you heard the news?” “They say a women riding on a donkey, led by her husband, was expecting a child. What have you heard about it?  Is it true?”, “Did she have the baby?”, “Have you seen the bright star in the sky? What does it mean?”

The innkeeper tells the visitors there is no room at the inn and to go elsewhere! At the end of the journey, visitors find Mary and Joseph along with Baby Jesus who is wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a hay-filled manger. Angels are singing carols of the first Christmas miracle. Shepherds are nearby watching over live animals.

Organizers of the event which includes a Live Nativity say it has become a meaningful Christmas tradition for all who attend.

The  Streets of Bethlehem is open to the public Sat., Dec. 8 and Sun., Dec. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Related Posts

Ocean Grove Group Hosting Winter Social

Law Enforcement Seeks Public’s Help Following Fatal Crash in Neptune

January 30, 2023
Festive New Year in Neptune

Festive New Year in Neptune

January 25, 2023
neptune police car

Neptune Settles Lawsuit for $500,000 With Former Police Chief

January 25, 2023
neptune police car

Law Enforcement Seeks Community Help in 2019 Barbershop Murder

January 16, 2023
Neptune Class of ‘72 to Celebrate

Neptune Students Urged to Submit Works for Black History Program

January 10, 2023
neptune police car

Neptune Homicide Under Investigation

January 9, 2023

Trending This Week

Ocean Grove Ladies Auxiliary Raised $58,000 for Projects

Pilot Parking Program is Topic Of Special Meeting in Ocean Grove

January 25, 2023
Developer ‘Cares Deeply About Boardwalk’ As Iconic Asbury Park Buildings Deteriorate

Developer ‘Cares Deeply About Boardwalk’ As Iconic Asbury Park Buildings Deteriorate

January 25, 2023
Stabbing Incident at Asbury Park High School

Red Bank Man Charged With Numerous ‘Upskirting’ Offenses

January 24, 2023
Disussions Continue to Preserve Asbury Park Historic Sites

Disussions Continue to Preserve Asbury Park Historic Sites

January 25, 2023

Advertise Online with The Coaster

Advertise on The Coaster to reach countless new customers for your local business.

START ADVERTISING TODAY

E-mail Newsletter

Sign up to get a free weekly newsletter to your inbox.

Subscribe

Contact Us

The Coaster
1011 Main St
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Phone: 732-775-3010
FAX: 732-775-8345
editor@thecoaster.net

Email Newsletter »

All Articles

Search Our Site

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 The New Coaster, LLC. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Browse News by Town
    • Allenhurst
    • Asbury Park
    • Avon
    • Bradley Beach
    • Deal
    • Interlaken
    • Loch Arbour
    • Long Branch
    • Neptune
    • Neptune City
    • Ocean Grove
    • Ocean Township
    • Tinton Falls
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
Subscribe / Renew

© 2023 The New Coaster, LLC. All rights reserved.