Wisconsin—Just as it did over 2,000 years ago, Jesus’ birth is still bringing people from all walks of life together. Wisconsin Academy’s (WA) seventh annual "Walk Through the Christmas Story" involved academy staff, students, church and community members who recreated Bethlehem as it might have appeared at the time of Jesus’ arrival.

"Our goal was to bring a Christ-based Christmas to the community. The pageant also allowed people to become better acquainted with our church and school," says Bonnie Peden, pageant coordinator.

Volunteers worked three months to bring the pageant to life. Casting began in October for the 19 scenes that filled the WA campus Dec. 3 and 4, 2004. Carpenters, beggars, Roman centurions, wisemen, and Mary and Joseph were some of the many characters from the Christmas story present on the clear, cold Wis. nights. Live animals on loan from a local farmer included an unruly donkey, a calf, and some chickens, adding authenticity.

Visitors, led through the various scenes by tour guides, saw Mary and Joseph at the Inn, witnessed the signing of their names at the census-takers tent, and heard the angel choir announce to the shepherds the news of Jesus’ birth. They also saw Herod send his soldiers to search for the Christ child and cloth sellers trying to outfit travelers in the latest fashions.

John Hobbins, Columbus (Wis.) United Methodist Church pastor, appeared as Simeon and gave the traditional blessing of Aaron. "Simeon is a character from the Gospel of Luke story," says Hobbins. "When Mary and Joseph came to the temple with Jesus, Simeon gave this blessing, which comes from the book of Numbers. It is translated 'May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.' The Hebrew word 'shalom,' which can mean peace, well being, and prosperity, appears at the end of the blessing and was used often throughout the scenes."

Hobbins, who learned Greek and Hebrew in high school, gave the blessing in Hebrew then translated it for the visitors. He views the pageant as a great way to bring the community together. "Members from our church and others in the community enjoy the pageant each year," he says. "I try to do something a little different with my scene so that the many repeat visitors see something new each time."

At the end of the tour, church members served cookies and hot chocolate to visitors after music teacher Lavenda Finau led a concert presented by the music department.

"The coolest part about this pageant is that every student and staff member is somehow involved. At least half of our church is also involved, as well as many from other churches in town. Even grade school kids are part of the pageant. This is really a combined effort that brings so many people together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas," says Peden.

Kristy Brown Lust, Wisconsin Academy alumna