The Virgin Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem was re-enacted in Anna Maria on Sunday evening, with Roser Church members, residents, visitors and a menagerie of farm animals and pets during the annual Bethlehem Walk.
Families dressed as shepherds, angels and townsfolk journeyed down Pine Avenue into neighborhoods and past restaurants full of puzzled diners with a llama, a donkey and several goats, chickens and dogs in tow.
At each stop, Mary and Joseph asked for shelter and were told, “No vacancy,” but everyone sang carols in between destinations, and finally found shelter for the Holy Family at Roser Church, where a living nativity scene preceded a celebration with desserts and fellowship.
The Bethlehem Walk evening began with a beautiful sunset at Roser Church. - Cindy Lane | Sun
Roser Church Pastor Dirk Rodgers carried a goat for part of the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun
Owen Serra took a goat on the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun
Kujo the llama went on the Bethlehem journey. - Cindy Lane | Sun
Revvy the donkey journeyed with Mary and Joseph at the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun
Saylah Harding brought a chicken on the Bethlehem Walk. - Cindy Lane | Sun
