Heretaunga Community Church (Upper Hutt) welcomed the community into Bethlehem last weekend through its annual Christmas Story, a three-day immersive retelling of the birth of Jesus.
Across Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday morning, visitors stepped into a first-century street scene filled with Roman soldiers and shepherds, music and dancing, bakers and fishmongers, artisans and animals, shared food, and moments of reflection—each journey culminating in a visit with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.
Around 80 volunteers spent a week transforming the church building, creating an experience that engaged all the senses and told the Christmas story with warmth and authenticity.
Around 1,400 people came through the event, with 50 Bibles given away. Scribes, a Town Crier, and an Angel Choir proclaimed the birth of the promised Messiah and Saviour of the world.
Now in its seventh year, the free event continues to draw families from across the region. Those serving throughout the space noticed a meaningful shift this year—particularly among children.
“This year the children seemed to be the ones asking the questions about Jesus,” said Stephen Shirley, Operations and Sunday Service Director. “Those running the craft tents shared that children were often more inquisitive than their parents about what it all means. There seemed to be more spiritual openness with children.”
That openness reflects a deliberate change in approach over recent years. Rather than pressing for immediate responses, the church has focused on generous hospitality and clear proclamation.
“We made the decision to treat the three days as an opportunity to serve people and celebrate the birth of Jesus—proclaiming Jesus” Stephen explained. “As a result, we’ve had more people coming, they stay longer, and the feedback we hear is that people feel welcomed and loved.”
One distinctive feature of the event is the presence of roaming Scribes carrying a box labelled ‘Ask a Hard Question.’ Questions such as, “If there is a God, why is there so much evil?” open the door for thoughtful conversations. While these have often engaged adults, this year many of the deepest questions came from children.
Sustained prayer from the church and a strong sense of God’s faithfulness contributed to the event, with the team gathering to pray together each day.
