Hundreds act out scenes for annual drive-through

BY LAUREN MATTHEW
Staff Writer

OLD BRIDGE — The Sayre Woods Bible Church is bringing the story of Christmas to life just as the holiday season begins.

The public is invited this week to stop by and tour the live nativity and Bible scenes that make up “A Drive Through the Christmas Story,” held annually outside the Route 9 church.

The tour consists of 10 outdoor displays that depict the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, according to RoxAnne Tauriello, who thought up the event and has orchestrated it for more than 20 years.

The display, which opened last weekend and continues through Sunday, is a major undertaking.

“It takes 700 people 10 days to make this happen,” Tauriello noted. And she’s not exaggerating, as the scenes are staged nightly, regardless of most weather conditions, with the many actors taking shifts.

Instead of standing in the cold to view the live displays, those wishing to take in the scenes can do so from the comfort of their cars.

“People go on a guided tour, seeing and hearing the story in their cars,” Tauriello said. “You’re only feet away from the scene.”

The display features live actors from the church community in New Testament wardrobe as well as live animals, which are brought in from a farm in New York.

“Ever since we’ve had the drive-through, we’ve had live animals,” Tauriello said. “The children just love it.”

The 10 Biblical scenes are presented to viewers in chronological order, Tauriello said, and include angels announcing to Mary that she will be Jesus’ mother, the three wise men en route to Bethlehem, angels announcing the birth of Jesus to shepherds, and a nativity scene.

While driving through the display, viewers will hear corresponding Bible verses and music on DVD or cassette tape, provided by the church. A player will also be given to those who need it. The recording will prompt visitors to continue or stop their cars, acting as a guide, Tauriello said.

Thousands of people have come to the display in past years, Tauriello said.

The event is free to the public, and no monetary donations are accepted.

“Everyone in the church gives freely of their time, their talent and their abilities,” Tauriello said.

Most people involved, she said, put in several nights outside. Roles are rotated among participants.

Maury Wells has been involved with the display for the past six years. Every year, he helps to set up and break down the scenes, and he’s part of about four scenes each season.

“I’ve been involved in just about everything except the makeup,” Wells said.

Though Wells admitted it can get cold — the last two years, in particular, were “brutal” — he said the event offers the chance for participants and viewers alike to just slow down.

“Life gets so busy,” Wells said. “It’s a chance to catch up on your prayer life, if nothing else.”

Wells stressed that the Christmas story presented in the drive-through is the real story. Visitors won’t see Santa or any reindeer.

“Kids don’t even know the meaning of Christmas,” Wells said, noting his belief that the holiday has become too commercialized.

But children are involved in the display, he said, and they also participate in the live scenes.

“They get a real kick out of it,” Wells said.

“It’s a beautiful event to go to,” Tauriello noted.

The Sayre Woods Bible Church is located on Route 9 southbound near Jake Brown Road and directly across from ShopRite. The display, open through Sunday, runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays; 5 to 9:30 p.m. on the weekend.

For more information, call (732) 679-5989.