The Christmas story will once again come to life as Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bloomfield continue what has become an annual tradition of ‘A County Christmas’.

However, this year, what was usually an illuminated walk-through of the Christmas story has become a Drive-Thru in order to meet COVID-19 protocols and keep the public safe.

Once again, people will experience the Christmas story as they drive past ten different Christmas scenes that include actors and live animals.  Everyone will receive a CD or an MP3 for those cars that don’t have CD players so that they can listen to the story as they drive past the various scenes.  There is also a book that can be read that goes along with each scene for those that don’t have any means of playing a CD or MP3.

The entrance is at 2 Corey Street in Bloomfield where you will receive some hot apple cider or hot chocolate and some goodies before you start your journey.

Then you begin by hearing the message of the prophets Isaiah and Micah who, 700 years before Jesus came, tell about the birth of a child to born King.

You will journey to Bethlehem and experience the sights and sounds of this Palestinian town south of Jerusalem. You will see the angels announce the birth to the shepherds, with their sheep, in the fields.  Travel past the marketplace in Bethlehem and see the inn where there was no room for Mary and Joseph and see the new born Jesus wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

You will watch as the wise men visit King Herod and ask where the new born king is, and see them travel to Bethlehem and bring their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  There are sheep, donkeys, and other live animals.

There is also opportunity to take part in a free draw for family Christmas baskets.

Pastor Peter Spragg of Emmanuel said 2020 has created a number of challenges but also opportunities turning the annual and popular production into a drive-thru.

“We’re thrilled we can do this as a drive-thru and give people the opportunity to experience the Christmas story again this year.  Especially as this has been such a difficult year for everyone, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas,” Spragg said.

It all takes place on Friday December 11th and Saturday December 12th, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2 Corey St., in Bloomfield.

For more details visit Emmanuel website at www.emmanuellife.com or call 613 393 2234

-Staff