A walk through the first century

Three women diligently weaved baskets, and bakers called out the varieties of their freshly baked bread.

The blind man tapped his cane along the sawdust-covered path, while the sandal maker shouted, "Get away, beggar!"

Potters hid their money as Roman soldiers drew near, ordering the villagers to move along, tapping them with the haft of their spears.

In hushed voices, the cloth makers asked villagers if they had heard anything about the savior who was born in a manger the night before.

More than 1,100 visitors experienced "Bethlehem: Village of Hope," a free live-action, walk-through Nativity scene at First Baptist Church of Delta Friday through Sunday.

"It made you feel like you were participating in that night," said John Dudley, 57, of Burfordsville, Mo., who walked through the village with his wife, Jean.

"All your senses are affected," said Delta pastor Eric Hodge. "And it really helps to pull you out of the 21st century and back to the first century."

Guests were first greeted by a census taker who recorded where they came from and how many people were in their party. The census taker then gave each person tokens made of a Play-Doh-like substance baked by church members. The tokens enabled guests to buy a variety of handmade mementos, such as leather sandals, woven baskets, bread, fruit, cloth and pottery. The final stall was the manger with Mary, Joseph, an angel and an infant Jesus.

Alicia Lincoln, 31, of Leopold, Mo., braved the rain Sunday so that her 5-year-old son, Cole Jackson, could see what it was like when Jesus was born.

The wide-eyed Cole was eager to buy the food and the seashells. He stood attentive as the Jewish priest recited the Ten Commandments. He giggled when he saw a goose, and he lingered as he watched baby Jesus, portrayed by a real infant bundled in layers against the chilly night.

Cole liked Jesus the most, he said, "because he's cute."

Authenticity was the tool used to let people know the story of Jesus Christ and to deepen the faith of people who already have faith in Jesus, said Hodge's wife, Connie.

The project started as a drive-through Nativity scene five years ago and became a village three years ago. Friday and Saturday, the village was enclosed under the pavilion with temporary walls, and a large manger scene was outside. Due to rain Sunday, the manger was moved inside and the animals were limited to a couple of goats and poultry. Other animals, such as camels, were sent home.

Though attendance was down by nearly 400 compared to last year, the weekend was a success, Eric Hodge said, because people were reminded that Christmas is about more than just presents. Some guests were so moved that they returned later with more friends, he said.

With nearly everything being handmade, preparation began in March. About 200 members from various churches contributed by either making crafts, being characters in the village or preparing free chili.

"This is our church's gift to our community," said Connie Hodge.

jmetelski@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127