History

Union United Methodist Church is preparing to host the full production of their long-standing tradition, the 30th annual drive-through living nativity, “The Living Christmas Story.” This event will take place Friday through Sunday, December 1-3, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. 

Another year is coming to tell the story of Jesus Christ's Birth.  For 31 years now, the Union United Methodist Church parking lot has been transformed into the city of Bethlehem, as the ‘greatest story ever told;’ a drive-through re-enactment of the way life was over 2,000 years ago on the night Jesus Christ was born. The presentation features scenes that can be viewed as vehicles travel through the Union parking lot. This is a gift to the community, with no admission fee.

“The Living Christmas Story,” uses real people from the Irmo community, and includes live animals that become the town of Bethlehem. Villagers, a blacksmith, the innkeeper, Herod’s Court, the marketplace and many more scenes come alive as you drive through and experience the night Christ came to us. Often described as beautiful and moving, “The Living Christmas Story” is an experience that over 160,392 spectators have witnessed, over the last 30 years. 

Union's story of the Living Christmas Story does not only belong to Union's members but all those that have journeyed to hear the story for the first time or made it a family tradition.  People who journey to Bethlehem are seeking both comfort and joy when they arrive.   Those who have experienced “The Living Christmas Story” provide comments, such as: “My parents brought me to The Living Christmas Story each year when I was a child. Now I am bringing my own children. It is one of the best memories I have of Christmas and I want that for my children too!“ “Thank you for such a beautiful and free-to- attend portrayal of the true meaning of Christmas.” “Our children want to ride through ‘The Living Christmas Story’ over and over! It brings the story of Jesus’ birth to life for them. Thank you!” “The Living Christmas Story is a realistic view into life at the time of Jesus’ birth! Our grandchildren love seeing the live animals and all the people dressed in authentic clothing in the market. It is a very worthwhile family experience!” “Driving through ‘The Living Christmas Story’ at Union United Methodist Church has become a yearly tradition for our family to begin our Christmas season.”

Irmo Police and church volunteers will be in charge of routing and directing traffic. Carpooling is encouraged! Or skip the line altogether and hop on a Union UMC church bus and go through the event. Union buses will leave from the parking lot between Lizards Thicket and O'Reilly's at St. Andrews Road and Thames Valley Road. Union buses and visitors in institutional vehicles (with logo) will be given immediate access to the event.  

Start your holiday season with an event of comfort and joy that the whole family will remember by attending this free event. To learn more about Union United Methodist Church, please visit the website by clicking here, or "Like" them on Facebook or Instagram @unionumcirmo.

The village, scenes, costumes, and cast are a labor of love to honor our Lord.  They help us to retell this remarkable night to our community.  We hope the story comes alive for you when you attend and you find both Comfort and Joy in its remembrance.