Rancho Bernardo church offers a Bethlehem village experience

by Elizabeth Marie Himchak

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rancho Bernardo hosted a free “Walk Through Bethlehem” for the community.

The event, held in four evening sessions from last Friday through Monday, was designed to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, according to organizers.

Victor and Adriana Puente admiring the nativity scenes. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)

Inside, hundreds of nativity scenes (creches) from around the world were displayed. They ranged from deeply reverent and religious to humorous pop-culture versions featuring the Peanuts characters and rubber duckies. They also varied greatly in size and materials, including porcelain, wood carvings, gourds and fabric.

Among the hundreds of nativity scenes from around the world were these from the Philippines, San Diego beach art, Switzerland, France and Peru. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)

The scenes came from Jerusalem, France, Alaska, Africa, Chile, Ukraine, the Vatican, the Philippines, Switzerland, Spain, Peru and San Diego.

A Native American-themed nativity scene. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)

Outside, attendees could go on a self-guided tour of a Bethlehem Village display, with church members portraying villagers and Biblical figures, including the three Wise Men, shepherds, Angel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph in the live nativity scene. There were also live animals throughout, including chickens, donkeys and goats.