‘It grips the heart of people’: Journey to Bethlehem drive-thru returns to Berea

BEREA, Ky. (WTVQ) — It’s a story we read and watch movies about — but one church allows people to experience it in real life.

The Journey to Bethlehem hosted by Church on the Rock is happening this weekend.

The marketplace is part of Church on the Rock’s Journey to Bethlehem drive-through which is the first one they’ve put on since 2018. It’s so famous that people from surrounding states come all the way here just to see it.

“Every year we have people come from five surrounding states. Of course Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia. It’s amazing at the people – and a lot of folks have chose for this to be one of their family annual traditions,” said senior pastor Mark Sarver.

With over 230 volunteers working to put the set together, this story from the Bible comes to life in this drive-through.

“It’s 23 scenes. We’re doing our best to give an example or a display of what it was like from the prophecy all the way to the birth of Jesus,” said Sarver.

With over 100 actors and real-life animals, this drive-through has become famous for its storytelling.

“Oh goodness, we’ve got goats, we’ve got lambs, we’ve got sheep, we’ve got cows, we’ve got camels, we’ve got bulls, we’ve got chickens, we’ve got ducks; all kinds of animals and the kids absolutely love the animals,” said Sarver.

And even better, you can pet most of them — except the camel and that’s because…

“The camel’s been known to be a little mean from time to time…he’s getting a little old and grumpy,” Sarver joked.

If you would like to experience all of this for yourself, the Journey to Bethlehem drive-through will be from Friday through Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. At the Church on the Rock in Berea.

“The whole drive-through is awesome, and it grips the heart of people,” Sarver added.

For more information, head here: Church on the Rock Facebook page