The much beloved walk-thru of the events that make up the Christmas story will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 15. Walk-thru presentations, which take about 30 minutes, will be conducted from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

This year, a special presentation has been added to accommodate those who are unable to travel steps or need to use assisting devices to move around. This modified presentation of Journey to Bethlehem will begin at

1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Attendees will be able to watch the story unfold from their seats rather than navigating through the church building. As each member of the “Christmas Story” presents their story, the scene at the manger will begin to take shape.

This will be the 15th time that the St. Matthew congregation will present this unique journey since its first presentation in 1995. About 50 members of the congregation take part either as characters in the Christmas story or as behind-the-scenes support. The church and Sunday school annex are transformed into 11 different scenes, including the home of Mary, Joseph’s carpenter shop, the inn at Bethlehem, Herod’s throne room, the shepherds with their sheep in the fields and the scene at the manager.

Courtesy photo Greg Dick portrays Joseph in the 2019 iteration of Journey to Bethlehem.

At the beginning of the journey, sojourners also hear a story from St. Lucia and St. Nicholas.

As shepherds guide visitors along the Journey to Bethlehem, the angel Gabriel tells about the message delivered to Mary and Elizabeth.

Joseph and Mary will share their fears and joys along their journey; the busy innkeeper tells of his conversation with Joseph, the wisemen describe what it was like to follow the star, and finally hear God’s message of peace.

Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall.

Event coordinator Jane Fagans said about 4,000 people have enjoyed the Journey to Bethlehem presentation.

“The St. Matthew congregation looks forward to presenting this event, and the cast (from teens to adults) enjoys the experience of working together to share this incredible story of Jesus’ birth,” Fagans said, adding “we are excited to bring the story to persons with mobility issues in a modified presentation prior to the walk-thru version.”

The Journey to Bethlehem is free and suitable for all ages. Plenty of free parking is available at the church.

The congregation is accepting canned goods for the local food pantry and donations will be accepted for a group from St. Matthew Lutheran Church to travel to North Carolina in 2025 for a hurricane work relief project.

If you go

What: Journey to Bethlehem, walk-thru Christmas story

When: 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15

Where: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 115 E. Penn St.,

Martinsburg

Cost: Free; donations of canned goods are being collected for the food pantry; donations also accepted for a missions trip