Annual Drive-Thru Nativity To Be Held First Weekend of December

Mount of Olives Church plans to offer their annual free Drive-Thru Nativity in Mission Viejo this December 4 and 5, 2020, from 6:00-10:00pm. Over 200 volunteers will work for several months preparing for the two-night event that the families of the church see as a Christmas gift to the community.

“The church families are so excited to serve and continue this community tradition,” said Michelle Danly, Mount of Olives Church Children’s Ministry Director, “and we feel this event lends itself well to safe physical distancing since families drive themselves through our parking lot viewing the scenes depicting the Nativity Story and listening to the narration in their car. This is our gift to the community.”

The scenes displayed along a driving path in the church’s parking lots include backdrops, live animals – like goats, sheep and camels – and actors dressed in costume. The scenes include the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, Joseph and Mary being turned away at the Inn, the Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem, and many more. The church expects even more cars to drive-thru than ever before – and usually welcomes about 1,000 cars each year between the two nights of the event.

“We’re excited to offer this free event to our community for the 26th year. It is important to us that we continue to share the story of Jesus with our community and beyond,” said Pastor John Steward, Senior Pastor, “and we’re taking precautions to ensure the safety and health of all the volunteers and staff that are making the event a success.”

All are invited to bundle up, grab the family and some hot cocoa, and drive-thru the Mount of Olives Church campus to experience a free retelling of the Christmas story. See live actors and animals plus hear music and narration from your car.

The church also gives back via a food drive by collecting food donations at the Drive-Thru Nativity to help stock local food pantries. To donate, bring non-perishable food items to donate drive-thru style as directed by the church team. Food donations will support local families and individuals in need via Southwest Community Center and South County Outreach.

The annual Drive-Thru Nativity brings new visitors every year, as well as many returning guests, and has become a tradition for families and friends of all ages. Especially in these days of COVID restrictions, when many Christmas events are likely to be cancelled or different than usual, the Mount of Olives Church Drive-Thru Nativity will be a great way for families to celebrate Christmas.

The Drive-Thru Nativity is held on the campus of Mount of Olives Church at 24772 Chrisanta Drive in Mission Viejo. It will be open on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 from 6:00-10:00pm – rain or shine (if rain becomes strong, the event pauses until the storm breaks). To drive-thru, enter Chrisanta Drive from La Paz Road and follow the direction of the parking team. This event is free and the food drive is voluntary.

About Mount of Olives
Located in Mission Viejo, Calif., Mount of Olives Church is a vibrant and growing congregation with activities for the entire community. The campus includes an accredited NAEYC preschool (the first preschool in Mission Viejo); Kid City, a dedicated building for children’s ministry 5th grade and younger; The Rock, a facility for middle and high school students offering weekly programs; and an Adult Day Program, for seniors afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. The church supports mission work in Africa, Honduras and Eastern Europe, and supports local Orange County ministries that serve the homeless and unemployed including Southwest Community Center and South County Outreach. Mount of Olives Church is located at 24772 Chrisanta Drive in Mission Viejo and worship service times are online on Sundays at 8:30am, 9:45am, check the website for current on campus service times during COVID restrictions. For more information, please visit moochurch.org or call 949.837.7467 (limited office hours due to COVID restrictions).