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Celebrating 10 Years of Our Christmas Pageantry!
History of the Living Christmas Story
A
few nights each December, the parking lot of Bethany United Methodist
Church becomes the city of Bethlehem. The pavement and the people are
transformed into the Living Christmas Story, a drive-through re-enactment
of the way life was 2,000 years ago on the night Jesus Christ was born.
Not an ordinary Christmas play, the Living Christmas Story uses real
people from the Summerville community who become the people of Bethlehem.
Villagers, a blacksmith, the innkeeper, pottery makers, the marketplace
and many more scenes come alive as you drive through and experience the
night Christ came to us.
Often
described as beautiful and moving, the Living Christmas Story is an experience that many thousands of spectators have witnessed over the
years. The presentation features 19 scenes, viewed as vehicles travel a
candle-lit drive winding through the Bethany parking lot. Visitors see the
angel Gabriel talking with Mary; the holy family traveling to Bethlehem;
King Herod on his throne; and angels sharing the news of Christ’s birth
with the shepherds in the field. On the other side of Bethlehem’s city
gate, visitors watch blacksmiths, carpenters and potters in a bustling
market scene. There are centurions on horseback, fishermen mending their
nets, and, most importantly, Baby Jesus resting in a manger.
The Living Christmas Story is a labor of love for Bethany members. Last year’s props had barely been boxed away when church members began planning and coordinating this year’s event. From costumes to construction to props and lighting, every detail has been carefully plotted to ensure that the Christmas story comes to life. In 2005, more than 225 people lent their time and talents to the pageant.
Begin your holiday season with an event the whole family will remember.
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