Christmas pageant is self-guided

The Anderson California Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting the public to view scenes of a Christmas long ago in a land far away.

Visitors to the 18th biennial presentation of “Journey to Bethlehem” will take an hour-long self-guided tour of the Holy Land at the birth of Christ.

Along the way, guests will be serenaded by angels as they encounter live actors portraying evil King Herod, the shepherds receiving heavenly messengers and several wise men from the east who follow a star that leads them to a stable where Mary and Joseph celebrate the birth of a son Jesus.

Arriving visitors start their journey at a crèche exhibit featuring nativity sets from around the world. Tours leave periodically throughout the evening.

There is no admission charge and regular tours start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 8-9 or at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Tours will continue each of the three nights until 8:30 p.m., said Amy Crofoot, pageant director.

A special signing presentation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will be presented Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. A presentation in Spanish will be offered at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

To reach the Anderson Stake Center at 4075 Riverside Ave., take the Riverside Avenue exit from Interstate 5 either north- or south-bound and then head east to the first left turn opportunity off Riverside Avenue. The center’s parking lot entrance is directly opposite the Anderson Gaia Hotel and Spa.

Approximately 50 actors from congregations as far away as Corning and Fall River join those from Anderson, Antelope, Cottonwood, Palo Cedro and Red Bluff in putting on the production that began in 1990 with 300 visitors and last saw 1,700 visitors in 2009, said John Watkins, second counselor in the Anderson Stake Presidency.

“We appreciate the active support of the community and look forward to seeing many more attend this year,” Watkins said, adding that the pageant is the church’s gift to the community.