Salvation Army Hosts "Bethlehem Revisited" in Gloucester

In the frantic final days before Christmas, with to-do lists growing and schedules bursting, The Salvation Army in Gloucester is extending a simple, heartfelt invitation to the community: step away from the hustle and step into the story. 

On Sunday, 21 December, the charity and church will transform its hall at 150 Eastgate Street into the bustling, chaotic streets of Bethlehem for a unique carol service titled "Bethlehem Revisited - A Carol Service For All." This free, family-friendly event is designed not just as a musical performance, but as an immersive experience to recapture the original wonder and hope of the first Christmas. 

James Addis, who leads The Salvation Army in Gloucester said, “The stable was open to all to receive God’s gift of Jesus, and in that same spirit, this event is explicitly open to everyone in our community. We want people to experience the fullness of life with Jesus that starts at Christmas.” 

An Immersive Journey to the First Christmas 

The inspiration for the name "Bethlehem Revisited" is at the heart of the event's mission.  

"As we look again at the Christmas Story unfold in the streets of Bethlehem, we hope it comes alive for us today in Gloucester. From the moment attendees arrive, they will be greeted with the sights and sounds reminiscent of that historic night, moving beyond a traditional service into a shared community experience.” 

The program will unfold through a series of "snapshots" of the nativity story, brought to life by a cast of both children and adults. Interwoven with these dramatic presentations will be beloved Christmas carols, both traditional and new, accompanied by The Salvation Army's renowned musical groups. 

The event is designed to be fully accessible for all ages. There will be space for buggies and wheelchairs, and no registration is required. People are encouraged to simply show up. Following the service, refreshments will be served, offering a valuable opportunity for the community to mingle and connect. 

The Salvation Army in Gloucester serves its community by providing a vital and compassionate response to those in need, grounded in its Christian faith. Its work is multifaceted, offering practical support through community groups, combat loneliness. Critically, it addresses hardship directly by running a community lunch and Soup Run and providing essential pastoral care, ensuring that individuals and families receive both material and emotional support. For more information about The Salvation Army in Gloucester, to donate and support their work, visit their website: Gloucester | The Salvation Army.