On Saturday, Dec. 11, pile the kids in the car and take in the Christmas story when Susquehanna Grace Community Church (SGCC) hosts the Road to Bethlehem. The drive-through outdoor live Nativity will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church, 6694 Sunrise Ave., Wrightsville.

"We will have 11 scenes that people can drive through to see the story of the birth of Jesus," said Becki Buser, event coordinator. "It begins with Caesar describing the decree he has sent out that everyone must be taxed and counted, which is why Mary and Joseph are going to Bethlehem."

Additional scenes will include the heavenly hosts, the wise men and the innkeeper, and the final manger scene will feature Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

Sixty volunteers from SGCC and Pleasant View Church in Red Lion will portray various characters in the scenes, which will also feature live animals. "We have countless people working behind the scenes, from directing traffic to making food to taking care of the animals and making sure they have everything they need all throughout the event," Buser stated, noting that the volunteers range from young children to senior citizens. "This event is for all ages, and all ages are helping with it."

SGCC has been holding the event for more than 30 years, and Buser's family has been a part of it for almost half that time. She noted that this year's drive-through will be held in tribute to Mary Caldwell, a longtime organizer of the event who passed away earlier this year.

Monetary and nonperishable food donations will be accepted for Hearts for Hunger, a food pantry located at Pleasant View Church. The pantry is especially in need of kids' cereal, hot chocolate mixes, boxed rice, chips or other snacks, flour and sugar, among other items.

Buser noted that the Road to Bethlehem began as a way for the church members to share their love of Christmas with the community. "We wanted to show the true meaning of Christmas from a biblical standpoint," she explained. In the past, the event has included indoor activities as well as the outdoor scenes, but only the outdoor portion was held last year due to the pandemic. This year's event is being held outdoors only, but Buser noted that organizers hope to bring back the indoor component next year.

In the meantime, she encourages families to come out and enjoy the beauty of the luminarias that line the driveway before taking in the Christmas scenes. "It's a nice family night and a way to get into the spirit of the holiday," she said.

For more information, search for "Road to Bethlehem 2021" on Facebook or "contagiouschurch_sgcc" on Instagram.