THE CHRIST EVENT- AT WALKER’S BLUFF: Saturday, Dec 17 & Sunday, Dec 18 5:30-9:00pm
In this time of war, disasters, terrorism, and general chaos, the Community of Faith Church in Marion, Illinois is proud to present a message of hope and peace in THE CHRIST EVENT. On Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, Community of Faith Church will present the THE CHRIST EVENT on the grounds of Walker’s Bluff. THE CHRIST EVENT is a family-friendly, outdoor, multi-scene, live nativity presentation of the birth of Jesus. For the second year time, THE CHRIST EVENT will be hosted by Walker’s Bluff. Walker’s Bluff is located off of IL Rt. #13 by going north on Reed Station Road and following the signs. Turn left at the General Store and follow the signs to THE CHRIST EVENT located behind Legends.
Many people in the region have attended THE CHRIST EVENT over the last three years. But this year, there will be new elements that have never been seen before. THE CHRIST EVENT production team is including new musical arrangements and elements, as well as other changes in production and the evening as a whole. There will also be live music accompanied by a petting zoo, cookies and beverages, and fire pits to create a great holiday atmosphere before and after the tours. “We are excited to offer this powerful presentation that reminds us all that Christmas is about The Christ Event”, says Rev. Dr. Troy D. Benitone, Directing Pastor of Community of Faith Church. “It is so great to see the Southern Illinois community coming together to raise the standard that Christ is the heart of the Christmas Season. This year we will be offering 6 scenes in a 30-minute outdoor walking tour on the incredible grounds of Walker’s Bluff. During this tour, you will experience the powerful story of the Christ Event including dramatization, featured music specials set in panoramic scenes along with live animals. All I can say is that the final scene is just amazing and promises an experience you will never forget. We have had a few thousand attendees come out the last three years. Now, so many are making THE CHRIST EVENT their new family, church or organizational tradition each year, as it puts the whole season into the right perspective.”
Rev. Troy D. Benitone, went on to say: “The Christ Event is an original presentation I designed to address the de-Christifying of Christmas. The premise is how can you take CHRIST out of Christmas? Think about how ridiculous that sounds. You can choose to ignore it, not celebrate it or disregard it. But how do you take the CHRIST out of CHRIST-mas in a Holiday named for the birthday of JESUS CHRIST?” Rev. Benitone, shared, the presentation as originally written and presented in the Springfield area in 2005-2008 became regularly attended by hundreds each year. In 2010, Pastor Troy moved to Southern Illinois and held the first presentation for Southern Illinoisans on the grounds of Community of Faith Church in Marion, Illinois in 2013 & 2014 and, for the first time ever, at Walker’s Bluff in 2015.
This year, the presentations will take place on Saturday evening, December 17, and Sunday evening, December 18 with tours beginning at 5:30 p.m. and running to at least 9:00 p.m. each evening on the grounds of Walkers Bluff. "We are honored to host The Christ Event at Walker's Bluff this year. Between the effort put forth from the members and volunteers from Community of Faith Church and thebreathtakingscenery at Walker's Bluff, we believe this will be a spectacular experience for the entire family!"-- Doug Brandon, Business Development Officer, Walker's Bluff.
The Christ Event is a 30-minute outdoor multi-scene live Nativity presentation that has group tours led by shepherd guides running approximately every 15 minutes. The six panoramic scenes retell the Christ Story through dramatization, live music performances, and incredible pageantry. After the tour, guests are invited to stop by our Cookie World for free holiday desserts and hot beverages. There will also be live Christmas music and a petting zoo both nights. The Christ Event is family friendly and free to attend, however we are inviting our guest to consider a donation of $1.00 or more per person, as you are lead, to support the human trafficking fight of the Hands of Hope Foundation in Thailand.
You can come by yourself, bring your family, or even bring large group from your work place, church or organization. Everyone will enjoy THE CHRIST EVENT! This year, you can reserve a spot on a specific tour by visiting WWW.THECHRISTEVENT.COM. Walk-ins are welcome as well. Parking attendants will be on hand to assist you in parking. Please dress appropriately for the weather as this is an outdoor, walking Nativity presentation. There will be a registration area & hospitality center where you can sign-in for your tour. The live animals, fire pits, and live music make the registration area a fun Christmas experience for the family while you wait on your tour to begin.
For additional details go to WWW.THECHRISTEVENT.COM. You can also call Community of Faith Church at 618-997-2940 or contact our Directing Pastor, Rev. Dr. Troy Benitone at or by cell at 217-725-7565. This year’s presentation is being hosted by Walker’s Bluff, located at 326 Vermont Road – Carterville, IL 62918.