2017 Bethlehem Walk

True Spirit of Christmas Comes Alive During Annual Bethlehem Walk in Ardmore

A Roman Centurion patrols the streets of Bethlehem as the shopkeepers and children go about their business during Bethlehem Walk. Courtesy of Mable Hill Baptist Church

Imagine passing through the streets of Bethlehem past bakers, blacksmiths, potters, carpenters and other craftsmen and merchants at work when you encounter Roman Centurions clad in armor.  You're in Bethlehem on a mission...

... it is tax day and you're carrying your pittance of gold that you must hand over to the Roman Collector.  However, this Tax Day is like no other - you arrive at a manger and behold a newborn child surrounded by his parents, animals, and angels as three kings arrive bearing riches for him.  The sights and sounds continues with a pause at a solitary empty cross and visit to the "tomb" and a reminder of the complete story of Christ.

This immersive, sensory experience is an annual tradition for the Mable Hill Baptist Church in Ardmore, Alabama.  Each year, people flock to this "pilgrimage" experience presented by the Mable Hill Baptist Church to experience the real meaning of Christmas - the birth of Christ.  Children, and adults, will enjoy the live menagerie of animals and all ages will appreciate the story from the actors who clad themselves in robes, headdress, armor and leather who pause to tell the tale to travellers. 

The congregation works for months preparing for this limited engagement, highly attended event.  Efforts are taken to bring a full sensory experience to visitors during the walk through.  The construction and attention to details of the freshly constructed Bethlehem upon the grounds of Mable Hill Baptist Church add to the joyful experience that groups of any size can enjoy.  

The sensory-experience that is the Bethlehem Walk is available December  8th, 9th, and 10th from 6:30PM to 9:00PM at the church's campus at 3778 Ready Section Road just off AL-53 just west of Ardmore, Alabama in northeastern Limestone County.

Groups of all sizes are welcome.  No reservations are required but large groups are requested to contact the church to make arrangements to tour by calling (256) 420-8172.