Christmas Journey Stories
Christmas Journey Stories
Nancy Writes about her experience with the Christmas Journey
"My Dear Friend,
Thank you so very much for organizing this much appreciated part of the journey.
Over the past years, there have been many times when I have spent the better part of the day (and equal parts of the night) moving animals in and out of places they do not want to be; standing out in the cold for so many hours that I can no longer feel my feet; times when my focus wanders to the coming work day with too little sleep, being hungry and totally losing track of why I am doing this. And then, (probably nudged by the prayers of others) I look up at the star-filled sky, experience the love and connectedness of my brothers and sisters, and really look into the faces of the "time travelers," hear the excitement and anticipation in their voices, and KNOW that doing all of this, in God's precious name, makes a difference.
Praying for each person who passes, each person who may never have heard the stories with which we are so familiar, each person who may not have years or even days left in which to make a decision, each person who is someone's child, parent, brother, or spouse, each one who is unique, special and loved by the One who sent us to present His story, is so vital.
Thank you for prayers on behalf of those who come. May they find the exact thing that they were looking for, the only thing that will be the answer to their prayers - Jesus. "
The Christmas Journey is a celebration of our Lord, which touches many in a personal way. This year during the Christmas Journey, over 4,000 (4,012) people clearly heard that God so loved the world, He gave his only son, that whoever believes in him (with the kind of belief that changes their life) will not die but have everlasting life….and become God’s friend, just like he always wanted. Nearly 400 (394) people responded to that message and indicated that they chose for the first time in their lives to make Jesus their forgiver, their leader and their friend. They chose to confirm that decision to themselves and to others by moving a red pebble. Read some of the stories of how God has worked through the Christmas Journey:
A Wise Man "I've been a 'Wiseman' since the beginning of the Christmas Journey five years ago. This year for the first time I actually got to see the entire Journey. My son was visiting from out of town and he, his wife and her family and my daughter's family came to see it. We went through Saturday before the rain. I was so impressed with the entire Journey, a bit wistful as I watched the scene that I had always been in, and thrilled when my 5 yr old granddaughter whispered to me, "Can I put a red pebble in the bowl?". I asked her why she wanted to do that and she said, "Because I want to tell Jesus I like it when he is with me."
Over the years I have been wet, cold and tired on nights of the Journey but I have always known what a great responsibility I had to make my part of the Journey fresh and exciting for each and every group that came through. Like Pastor Marvin has said, that one moment may be the only time or chance a non-believer has to hear about Salvation.
I've made many friends through the years being part of the Journey and despite all the hard work have many great memories of times "in the woods." Working with the llamas and alpacas and the one unfortunate experience with the camel has been such an unexpected blessing from God that I can't thank Him enough. Who would have thought that part of God's plan for me would take place by a campfire, in a fake beard, playing with animals!"
Bingham"One of my groups was the Bingham Street School kids. They were very well behaved through out the journey and stuck to me like glue:). When the pebble table came and I finished the explanation of its meaning I heard 'plunk, plunk, plunk' as pebbles dropped in. I thought to myself, 'O Lord, is this for real?.' Then, at the door one little girl said, 'I put a red pebble in the bowl!' I said, 'Great! Did you ask Jesus to become your best friend for the very first time tonight?' 'YES!' was her exuberant response. It reminded me that God knows what is happening with the pebbles. Our job is to tell the story."
Red Pebble"I was guiding a group with a women and her two small children. She was in front of the group and unable to keep up with me while trying to drag her two small children with her. She ended up in the back next to the host and hostess. By the time we ended at the pebble table, the host was inviting the group to join him and his new buddy for hot chocolate. He had carried her son through the entire journey. The mom worked herself to the front of each scene and watched intently. In the end she moved a red pebble....she was free from distraction and able to hear and respond to the amazing story of Gods love for her! Praise God!"
Everlasting Tree"God Moment: When we were at the Everlasting Tree our awesome guide started out by telling us the meaning of the evergreen tree. As she began reciting John 3:16 the Angel Choir kicked in from the background singing, Hallelujah!, Hallelujah! (Who planned that?) As the choir continued she explained the price Jesus paid for forgiveness of our sins and the gift he offers to all. The choir tapered off as we bowed our heads for the prayer. At the conclusion of the prayer, the teen friend I was with said, I get it! She walked ahead of me to the next station and proceeded to move a pebble. All Praise and Glory to Jesus! Thanks for your many sacrifices to make CJ possible! It's all worth it!"
Texting Praise"One of our amazing tree angels family members, including his son, received Christ and moved red pebbles to confirm their decisions. Last year a few other family members made the same decision and texted him in the tree stand! He has been celebrating in that tree stand like crazy! He said, 'It makes it all worth while!”"
Beauty in the Snowstorm"Last year, one of our former neighbors attended the Journey. They are long-time Christ followers and active leaders in their church. They were so impressed by the script and the actors' and actresses' ability to portray Biblical scenes with such passion that they brought their adult children and their families this year - last night in the snow storm!
Talking with them afterwards, they again were amazed how Mary's urgency in Bethlehem was felt, the healed cripple & friends brought them such joy and they cried with Mary at the tomb. Funny thing is, I experience the same emotions, every time, every year, even knowing the script by heart and being related to so many of the actors and actresses! WE ARE SO BLESSED AND I AM SO THANKFUL FOR ALL OF THEM AND FOR YOU! I'm glad they reminded me of what I sometimes take for granted. By the way, these neighbors and friends of mine are retired engineer/teacher musicians who spend their winters each year working in a major amusement park surrounded by professionals. Just thought you should know."
Living Nativity"Pretty much every person I spoke with gushed to me how exciting it was to be part of the Christmas Journey! They talked about how blown away they were with the numbers of people serving and how fun it was to get to know so many Trinity people they didn’t know before. They were completely energized over the numbers of commitments that were being made. "
Facebook Entries
Facebook"Done with the Journey! I don't think I've ever been that cold before! Lol. I'm so proud of everyone who was out there tonight! :) great job everyone! :) all total we had 419 first time commitments to Christ."
"WHOAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that’s exciting!!!!! Praise God!!!!!"
"One of the best experiences of my life was walking through this! - And better yet was being involved in it as a citizen of Bethlehem!"
"I will be attending with my family and friends on the 11th and then I am an angel for the Journey on the 12th. The Journey is so amazing and I am excited to attend and be in it. It's my first year being in the Journey."
Reflection
"Close to 2,000 people (1,951) indicated that they wanted to “reaffirm the commitment they made in the past and to recommit their lives to following Jesus”! How wonderful is that?!
More than 900 of us, ages four to eighty-four, developed our faith by working passionately together, using our unique gifts and abilities to share the love of God! Isn't that incredible? Through the entire event those of us working with costumes, building fires, chipping paths, delivering animals, driving golf carts, making and serving food, welcoming our guests while keeping them safe, emptying trash, and standing in the cold for hours were filled with joy and passion at the miracle God was doing through us and the sense of community and friendship God was building among us! "
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