Step Into Ancient Bethlehem as First Church Opens Its Doors to the Community

by David Volz November 30, 2025

by David Volz November 30, 2025 2 minutes read

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Bethlehem Revisited" Brings Ancient City to Life at First Church of Coral Springs

Bethlehem Revisited returns to Coral Springs. {First Church Coral Springs}

First Church of Coral Springs is preparing to host Bethlehem Revisited, December 12-16.

The event includes a walkthrough of historic Bethlehem during the time Jesus was born. There is a street with 17 first-century shops.

Over the years, members of First Church have conducted extensive research on towns from ancient Israel. “We started by getting archeology books about how people lived and worked during that time,” said Janet Brockway, event coordinator.

There are shops for bread, music, carpentry, medicinal herbs, precious metals, and others. Everyone is dressed in period clothing and expected to remain in character. Upon entering, one is in a room for the census. Then people go to the main street of Bethlehem and see the shops and street life. Eventually, they come to the inn that has no room for guests. The final stop is the manger scene with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. There will be about 20 live animals, including horses and sheep, according to Brockway.

Musicians and the church bell choir will entertain guests before they enter Bethlehem. There will be Roman soldiers patrolling the streets, serving as the security force. “Our soldiers are grumpy because many of them really did not want to be in Bethlehem,” said Brockway.

Volunteers from the church and community are doing all the work of creating Bethlehem Revisited. A group of Coral Springs Charter National Honor Society (NHS) members and students from various local schools volunteered. “We become a family as we work together,” said Brockway.

Henry Sheldon, head of construction, has led the building effort. “This is an amazing event, and I have enjoyed working on it,” he said.

His son, Mason, volunteered and said he has enjoyed working on the project.

Janet Brockway and Henry Sheldon work on Bethlehem Revisted {David Volz}

Christopher Adams and Kiran Goel, members of Charter NHS, enjoyed working together. “It has been a good experience working on this project,” said Adams.

First Church is located at 8650 West Sample Road. On December 12, 15, and 16, the event will be open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on December 13 and 14, it will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.