SUBMITTED TO CONNECT-BRIDGEPORT

 

Celebrate the Christmas season with a drive through “Bethlehem.” A live nativity will be presented at Middleville Baptist Church, Saturday and Sunday, December 11-12, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can drive through, for free, and see the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth, without having to leave their vehicles. 

 

There will be seven Biblical scenes again this year and also a live-market place, where visitors can catch a glimpse of live animals being led through the city streets, a carpenter hard at work, and children gathered around the fire. From youngest to oldest, church members dress in costumes and transform themselves into characters, such as Gabriel, the Wise Men, Mary, Joseph, and more. 

 

“It’s the Christmas story come alive,” said Event Coordinator Gina Sharps.  “It is such a unique opportunity for us at Middleville Baptist to portray the events that led up to the birth of Christ. We start preparation for the Live Nativity weeks in advance, and it takes the whole church participating to make it a success.”

 

The drive-thru is an opportunity for families to take a few moments of quiet time and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, Sharps said. Many families have made it part of their annual Christmas celebration, she added.

 

“The nativity is the opportunity to be a witness to our community for Christ,” Sharps said. “Middleville Baptist Church is thrilled to share the hope, love, and joy that only Jesus can bring, and that is the best Christmas gift that anyone will ever receive.”

 

Middleville Baptist Church is located at 1327 Middleville Road in Bridgeport, approximately one mile off of U.S. Route 50. For more information, contact Gina Sharps at (304)-276-0572 or Jennifer Biller at (304)-669-9993. 

 

Editor's Note: Submitted art was taken by Kim Conrad.