Loriann Phillips, Drew Phillips, Scarlett Phillips with their biblical sheep. {David Volz}
Drew Phillips has a passion for raising tropical sheep and other animals on his farm in Coconut Creek.
He refers to them as biblical sheep because they thrive in warm environments and are common in the Middle East. They are the same sheep that people who lived in ancient Israel would have owned.
“These are not the sheep that produce wool. They are mostly sheep used for meat and live comfortably in the Middle East or South Florida,” said Phillips, the owner of Horse Prairie Farm.
For about 30 years, the Phillips family has provided sheep and donkeys to Bethlehem Revisited at First Church Coral Springs. There was a group of these biblical sheep in a pen on display, along with two donkeys standing next to the holy family. “We have all worked hard to make sure the animals we bring are similar to the ones in Israel at the time of Jesus,” said Phillips.
Bethlehem Revisited is unique among Christmas presentations in that members have worked tirelessly to create an authentic version of ancient Bethlehem. They have conducted extensive research into daily life in ancient Israel to create a street with shops, according to Janet Brockway, a longtime leader of the event.
Many participants are young or new to the church, but there are also longtime volunteers. Barbara Wing has been part of the fresh market shop for about 30 years. “It takes a lot of work, but I love being a part of it. We have been handing out juicy grapes,” said Wing.
Bethlehem Revisited includes Roman soldiers who behave like occupying soldiers.
Those who came could meet the new pastor of First Church, Ginger Medley. She greeted many of the guests. This year, the church is offering a Christmas Eve breakfast at 10:00 a.m. with fun activities.
First Church is located at 8650 West Sample Road. On December 15 and 16, Bethlehem Revisited will be open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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