Walking tours lead visitors through the Nativity and other Bible stories
By Deanna Harkel
As Christmas draws nearer and the frantic gift-wrapping and cookie baking commence, one local church is gearing up for another year of an event that encourages the community to reflect on the true meaning of the season.
Held each year at GraceWay Bible Church, 1934 Klockner Road, Christmas Live is a dramatic and interactive journey through 12 Bible stories revolving around the life and resurrection of Jesus. The event, now in its sixth year, draws between 1,500-2,500 people over the course of four evenings, church member JoAnne Miller said.
“This event is a great way to begin the Christmas season, spend time outside with your family, and become re-inspired by the fact that Christ came to Earth for us,” said Miller, who is the wife of GraceWay’s assistant pastor, the Rev. Mark Miller.
The evening, which focuses strictly on the religious representation of Christmas, begins with the first two chapters of the Book of Genesis. Visitors gather inside the church as live actors, assisted by the use of video, tell the creation story. Visitors are then guided outside to learn the stories of Noah’s Ark and the Incarnation of Jesus. Angels and shepherds appear, and guests join them as they travel through Bethlehem to the stable where Mary, Joseph and the three wisemen gather to witness the birth of Jesus. Live animals, including sheep, horses and goats, join the newly formed family in celebration.
The event continues on to tell the story of a day in the life of Jesus as a grown man, a scene that changes every two years. Next, visitors come across three large crosses symbolizing the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The final scene takes place inside in the baptistery, which is staged to look like heaven.
Every group receives a tour guide, who interacts with group and leads it on the walk from scene to scene.
Each scene is staged on a different location throughout the church property. The dialogue is mostly spoken by actors to other actors, just like in a play. In the Bethlehem scene, however, actors interact with the audience. Live animals are also part of the Bethlehem scene, and visitors may be allowed to pet some of the animals.
“Every scene offers a different experience but with one goal, which is a better understanding of the awesome love of God,” event coordinator Fran Emmons said.
The guided tour, which is held on about two acres of church property, takes approximately one hour to walk through. The fun begins long before the tour, however. Guests are encouraged to park at the Steinert High School student lot on Klockner Road and ride the Christmas Trolley to GraceWay. For now, the church plans to have Christmas music playing and to greet visitors upon arrival with craft stations for children, refreshments and a photographer to take family portraits that are later sent to families free of charge. A 20-minute puppet show held at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. also is scheduled.
Preparations for Christmas Live begin with church donations starting in January of each year. The event, which is free and open to the public, costs between $65,000-75,000 to produce. GraceWay parishioners donate the entire cost of the event.
“It really is extraordinary,” Emmons said. “Our congregation is extremely generous. Our volunteers make the event run.”
There are 31 teams of people who work together to pull the event together ranging from costumes, lighting, sound, hospitality, construction, parking and prayer. Actors are also volunteers, both from the congregation and the general community. Rehearsals take place every Sunday evening in November and include acting lessons from those more seasoned.
“We welcome everyone,” said Emmons, who is the wife of GraceWay senior pastor Dr. Richard Emmons. “If someone wants to help, we will find them a spot.”
GraceWay Bible Church is an independent, nondenominational parish with services offered on Sundays at 9 and 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. It serves around 700 members of the community through worship, prayer groups and counseling services. Ministries within the church include adult education classes, Sunday School, various vocal ensembles and men’s athletic ministries.
Christmas Live is one of the church’s major community outreach events.
“Christmas Live does two things,” Richard Emmons said. “It provides a tremendous opportunity for our own church people to work together to serve the local community, and it provides a tremendous opportunity to share the real meaning of Christmas.”
Christmas Live will take place on Friday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 12 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 14 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. This year, for the first time, there will be an interpreted tour for the deaf and their families, which will depart at precisely 7:06 p.m. each evening. Tickets for every tour, though free, are required.
Tickets and information for Christmas Live available at tourchristmaslive.org. GraceWay Bible Church is located at 1934 Klockner Road in Hamilton, at the intersection of Klockner and Whitehorse-Mercerville Road. Phone: (609) 586-0223 Web: gracewaybc.org. Email: office@gracewaybc.org.
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