'Bethlehem' returns to Gillsville

GILLSVILLE - For the fourth year in a row, Gillsville Baptist Church spared no detail in bringing New Testament Bethlehem back to life Sunday night.

An estimated 200 cars full of people drove through the parking lot to experience what the church called the 'true meaning of Christmas' last year and they expected that many or more this year according to Pastor Bill Calhoun.

"They'll hear and see the story of Christmas In Bethlehem from that time back then," Reverend Calhoun said.

One hundred and twenty church members donned first century dress and brought live sheep, goats, donkeys, horses and a camel for their drive-by visitors.

Niles, a six-year-old dromedary camel from nearby Commerce, appeared much like the camels the Wise Men rode according to owner Daniel Walthers, also in period dress.

"We raised him from when he was a baby ten days old," Walthers said.

At age six Walthers said Niles still has some growing to do; he won't be full grown until he's ten years old, but he was big enough to frighten a couple of nearby horses, one of them rode by a Roman soldier.

The church flyer promoting 'On the Road to Bethlehem' invited visitors to stay "toasty and warm in your car" while driving through but with the spring like temperatures most people rode through with their windows down.

Motorists stopped at various stations portraying life in Bethlehem until they reached the Manger with a live Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, angels and shepherds, standing by a camp fire, tending their sheep nearby.

The drive through presentation also included the life and ministry of Jesus, and his crucifixion and resurrection.

Choir Director Jeanne Webb said it was the best thing she's done all year.

"It just gets you in the Christmas spirit and lets you know the real meaning of Christmas in your heart; it makes you feel great," she said.

Jerry Standridge from Gillsville said he's been on the Road to Bethlehem before at the church and hopes to return next year.

"I think it was great," Standridge said. "It took a lot of work."