A hay-ride through the Christmas story

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.' This is the 11th year for the event, and this time there is a new twist, as visitors will be taking a hay-ride through Bethlehem. For those who prefer to stay in their cars, they can do so.

People will get on the hay wagon at the old Pinecrest school,, on Corey Street, Bloomfield, and be greeted by their host for the journey. They will get some hot chocolate, or hot apple cider, and a blanket to keep them warm. Then they will experience the Christmas story as they take the hay-ride past ten different Christmas scenes, that include actors and live animals. Those who choose to stay in their cars will receive a CD, or mobile audio device 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.

The journey to Bethlehem begins with the message of the prophets Isaiah and Micah who, 700 years before Jesus came, telling 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. Then go 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.

Once the journey is completed, you can go inside and enjoy some Christmas goodies and listen to Christmas carols, and songs, being sung by the Church musicians. There is also an opportunity to take part in a free draw for family Christmas baskets.

Pastor Peter Spragg of Emmanuel, said that making it primarily a hay-ride, keeps the personal, and homey, aspect of experiencing the story of Christmas. But for those who need to stay in their cars, they can still do so.

“During the last couple of years, as a drive-thru, there have been some seniors, and people with disabilities, who couldn't experience County Christmas as a walk through, so we feel this was the best of both both worlds,” Spragg said.

It all takes place on Friday December 9, and Saturday December 10, from 6 p.m. - 8.30 p.m., at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2, Corey St., in Bloomfield.

For more details you can go to the Emmanuel website at www. emmanuellife.com, or call 613393-2234.