Shepherds, King Herod, star-gazing wise men, donkeys and a couple of innkeepers gathered on Christmas Eve to provide a coastal community with a festive treat.
The true meaning of Christmas was on display as members of the Pakefield Church congregation joined locals, friends and families on a walk around the streets of Pakefield in Lowestoft encountering different parts of the nativity story along the way.
Organiser Katey Mills, children’s and youth worker at Pakefield Church, was originally inspired to create the event back in 2020 but this was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.
In 2021, the inaugural Nativity Walk did take place and was more successful than expected as more than 150 people took part.
Mrs Mills said: "This year there were 13 points to visit along the way and at each the Christmas message evolved.
"The route started at Cliftonville Road, passed along Pakefield Cliff, Florence Road and Pakefield Street before ending at the church for carols around the tree.
"I work with the children, youth and families and this is a massive opportunity to reach out to the wider community and tell the real Christmas story.
"We had biblical characters, based at each of the points.
"For example, there was a Roman soldier registering people and helping them to fill in the census before they travelled – symbolically from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
"They were guided by Angel Gabriel, greeted by friendly and grumpy innkeepers and also met an irritated King Herod.
"There was of course a stable at the end of the route with a very heavily pregnant (in real life) ‘Mary’ with ‘Joseph’."
At the end of the walk, which attracted 260 people, families were led to join others at Pakefield Church for their annual Christmas Eve service.
Mrs Mills added: "Rev Lord and Rev Bensusan led the service of traditional and older hymns, with the youngsters of the congregation taking part to form a nativity scene, the Christian message was shared, and a blessing given for all to have a wonderful Christmas.
"A huge amount of thanks needs to be given to everyone involved in making this event so successful - from the characters, to costume makers and local families for coming along."
Mrs Mills and her team were overwhelmed by how many families came to support the event and are now looking forward to planning another in 2023.
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