This is part two of a three-part series focusing on varying perspectives of Emmanuel’s Pilgrimage to Bethlehem.
Over four years ago when our family last journeyed as pilgrims it went by so very fast.
This year our family is looking forward to being a part of the city itself. Anxiety we once felt while we watched pre-tour has now turned into anxiety about singing in pre-tour this time around.
The excitement and apprehension felt about guards, thieves, and lepers has now turned into excitement about giving these characters life as we spend time rehearsing the conversations we will have in the city!
My daughter, Laura, eagerly awaits playing the thief and is NOT scared at all of the guards this time. Our son, William, loves that while he is playing his part, he will get to spend time with the farm animals.
I am excited that this time I will get to see, hear, smell, taste and touch everything that I so desperately wanted to see again. My husband, Greg, sees it as a chance for coming together with friends to share a most amazing story in a new and glorious way. We look forward to living the long pilgrimage and reaching our “Bethlehem” with new lessons learned, new friendships forged, and a new appreciation for what one church can do when its whole body works together.
“I look forward to losing myself in the role of Abraham each night to forget the busy routine and worries of my day filled with the stress of work, mom’s sickness, or buying the latest gadget to wrap and place under a tree,” Greg said. “I want to bring the Pilgrims into an ancient world they have heard so much about but probably have never walked, seen, or smelled like this!”
Greg wants to transport their minds from the commercial traditions of Christmas to the greatest joy, peace, and expression of love that is truly the basis of Christmas.
