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 b
ecome the people of Bethlehem. Villagers, a blacksmith, the innkeeper, pottery makers, the marketplace and many more scenes that 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. Begin your holiday season with an event the whole family will remember.
