Richard Goodlin writes: "Having been born in Bethlehem (Pennsylvania), I wondered what it would be like to get a letter from the IRS stating I had to go back to Bethlehem for the purpose of taxation. This gave rise to On The Way To Bethlehem."

The assigned scripture lessons for Advent in the lectionary present themes and concepts, but there is little in the way of a story that flows from one week to the next. In these dialogues Goodlin engages people in the unfolding drama of events that lead up to the birth of Jesus, as well as the story of the life of Jesus. These dialogues may be performed as a readers' theater and few props are needed. Costuming is optional. Richard H. Goodlin graduated from Hamma School of Theology with an M.Div. degree. He has served as pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Pasadena, Maryland, and is currently serving St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Baltimore, Maryland. Both of these congregations have experienced his writing and acting talents in portraying biblical stories. He has not only written and used drama which he has performed as sermons, but he has also written drama that has been used by youth during Sunday morning worship services.