Keep Christ in Christmas: A Drive-thru Experience

Pinecrest Academy, a private PreK-12 Catholic School in Cumming, GA, is excited to present Keep Christ in Christmas on Sunday, December 13, from 5-8pm. This is a free family event for the entire community.

Keep Christ in Christmas is a drive-through experience meant to prepare hearts for the birth of Jesus. Pile the family in the car (pajamas are welcome!), drive to Pinecrest Academy, and be ready for a heartwarming treat. The event is outdoors and guests will stay in their vehicles when driving through. Event volunteers will follow COVID-19 protocols.

Upon entering campus off of Peachtree Parkway, visitors will be met with twinkling lights strung in the trees along the driveway. Exhibits include:

The Annunciation Re-enactment

The Blessed Virgin Mary is visited by the Angel Gabriel, announcing God’s plan for her to be the mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Mary’s response is, “Be it done unto me according to Thy word.” The scene will be a beautiful display, with angels dressed in white fluttering around!

A live nativity in a life-like handcrafted stable

Four live animals will occupy a wooden stable, overseen by Joseph, Mary, and shepherds, all paying homage to Baby Jesus. The stable was lovingly hand-crafted and donated by a family member of one of our high school faculty members.

Christmas music by Pinecrest’s award-winning Band

Pinecrest's award-winning Band will perform beautiful Christmas favorites that remind guests of the “reason for the season." Students from Lower, Middle and High School Bands will perform moving music that helps us celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Traditional Christmas songs by Pinecrest carolers

Traditional seasonal carols and hymns will be performed by student and adult carolers, dressed in festive Christmas attire. Guests will enjoy Joy to the World, Hark the Herald, Away in a Manger, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and other beloved hymns.

Exhibit honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego

Students re-enact the miracle whereby the Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, and asked him to have a chapel built. Her image was permanently embedded on his tilma (cape). The tilma remains miraculously preserved and hangs in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Depending on traffic, the event should take 5-20 minutes to drive through.

"We are delighted to share the real meaning of Christmas with our community through Keep Christ in Christmas. The experience begins with the Annunciation scene, during which Mary was approached by Gabriel and gave her 'yes' to God," said Beth Howard, Pinecrest Academy Interim Head of School.

"The live nativity is pretty special, as one of our teacher's family members handcrafted the wooden stable that will house the live animals. Many children, parents, and staff from our Pinecrest community will be a part of this Christmas event, and it's our special gift to the community."

Pinecrest Academy is located at 955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, one mile from The Collection at Forsyth, and minutes from GA400, Exit 13.