Head to Ruhl's United Methodist Church, 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim, on Saturday, Dec. 18, and take a trip back in time. The second annual Drive to Bethlehem will take place from 2 to 4 p.m.
"When you arrive at the drive, you will be greeted by a Roman centurion, who will inquire if you are coming to Bethlehem for the census that was decreed by Caesar Augustus," explained Kris Gray, one member of the team that is coordinating the event. "The centurion will hand you a booklet with the Christmas story so you can follow along."
Stops on the drive will include shepherds watching their flocks in the fields and angels giving glory to God after they have shared with the shepherds the news of the birth of the Messiah. "The next stop is at the church door to pick up a complete takeout ham dinner," Gray stated. "As music fills the air from carolers, you will see Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the Nativity scene. As you start down the driveway, make sure to wave to the three wise men bringing gifts to the King of the Jews."
The church has a long history of hosting a pre-Christmas event, Gray noted. "Back in the 1980s, Ruhl's Church began hosting the Walk to Bethlehem, and the guests walked through the fields around the church to view all the scenes of the Christmas story that concluded with hot cocoa and cookies inside the church," she recalled. "We continued this tradition for many years, and folks looked forward to the event to begin their Christmas season." The church members took a few years off and then began a new tradition of a community Christmas dinner. When the pandemic prevented that last year, the committee brainstormed other ideas. "We still wanted to be able to serve our community in a special way for Christmas," Gray remarked. "We came up with the idea of a drive-through event to give away ham dinners and include a journey to Bethlehem theme." The first Drive to Bethlehem was held last year, and the response was so positive, the committee decided to hold it again this year.
Gray said the event offers a family-friendly way to mark the holidays, adding, "Join us as we endeavor to keep Christ in Christmas."
The Drive to Bethlehem and the dinner are free. Reservations are required for the dinner before Wednesday, Dec. 15. To make a reservation, call 717-665-4499.
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