The idea was shared
After carrying the vision for about a week, Leslie spoke with Reverend Brimmage and discovered that he believed the idea could become something real.
Our Story
A vision that became a journey
What began as one God-given idea grew into a community ministry sharing the story of Christ's birth beyond the walls of a church.
How It Began
The first spark came in November 2002
During a church sermon, Leslie Nevitt Michaelson heard Reverend Jerome Brimmage describe his family's experience in Lufkin's Evening of Old Bethlehem.
Reverend Brimmage spoke about standing near the manger as visitors passed by to see the baby Jesus. The way people responded to that living scene stirred a new idea: Huntsville could create a Bethlehem experience of its own.
Leslie first tried to set the idea aside, but the vision stayed with her. When she finally shared it with Reverend Brimmage, he did not talk her out of it. Instead, he immediately began helping turn the idea into a plan.
Beyond the Church Walls
Bethlehem needed to reach the community
From the beginning, the purpose was larger than creating a church program. The vision was to build an experience in a public place where families, neighbors, and people from every background could encounter the Christmas story together.
From Vision to Ministry
One faithful step led to another
The group learned from Lufkin
A visit was arranged with leaders from Lufkin's Old Bethlehem to study its layout, costumes, storage, and the many practical pieces required to create a living village.
The community came together
Churches, volunteers, businesses, craftspeople, and supporters began contributing their time, talents, materials, and prayers to bring Bethlehem to Huntsville.
Our Purpose Today
Sharing the hope at the heart of Christmas
Journey Through Bethlehem invites visitors to do more than look at a display. It welcomes them to walk through the city, meet its people, hear the story, and arrive at the manger.
Every scene, costume, shop, meal, prayer, and volunteer assignment works toward one purpose: helping people pause during a busy season and remember the birth of Jesus Christ.
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Faithful storytelling
Presenting the events surrounding Christ's birth in a thoughtful, memorable way.
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Community ministry
Bringing churches, organizations, and neighbors together in shared service.
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A welcoming experience
Creating a place where families and visitors of all ages can experience the Christmas story.
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From that point on, everything and everyone came together. It was all in God's plan.
Leslie Nevitt Michaelson, 2009
Continue the Journey
Come see the story, or help us tell it
Join us at Walker County Fair Grounds for the 2026 season.
December 4–5, 2026