A local church will once again hold its drive-through Christmas panorama this weekend.

Wilroy Baptist Church has been doing the panorama for about 23 years. Members consider it their Christmas gift to the community.

“Not everybody goes to church, but they might ride through with some friends,” said Sheila Morris, one of the organizers along with Kerry Greene. “It gives you a little bit of a glimpse into Jesus’ life, from the birth all the way to the ascension. It sparks people’s interests, and they want to know about it. That’s our goal — to spread the story of Jesus to people that may not always hear. And to bring back the true meaning of Christmas.”

“If it brings anybody joy, we will have accomplished so much,” Greene said.

Visitors drive through in their cars and view the scenes, all portrayed with live actors from the church.

Some of the scenes change every year. This year, scenes featured will include Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem, the manger scene, Jesus as a young boy in the temple with priests, Jesus healing a lame man, Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus on the cross, the empty tomb and the ascension.

Morris said many members not participating in one of the scenes still help in some way, including painting and installing backdrops, making costumes, readying lighting and preparing food for the workers.

“It is a lot of work, but it is worth it if just one person rides through that doesn’t know about Jesus and learns about His life, or someone gets saved,” Morris said. She said many participants in past years have asked to talk to the pastor and accepted Christ as their Savior right there. Others are so moved they get back in line and drive through again.

Each vehicle will receive a pamphlet explaining the scenes, as well as a welcome bag at the end.

“We invite people to load up their vehicles and bring as many people as they can,” Morris said.

The panorama will take place Dec. 2-4 from 7 to 8 p.m. each night. The church is located at 306 Williams Road, off Wilroy Road.