What would it be like to step back in time, all the way back to the first Christmas? First Baptist Church of Columbus will again offer a glimpse Dec. 12-14 with “First Christmas” — an interactive Bethlehem village recreated with the nativity, robed shopkeepers, Roman soldiers and live animals.
On the grounds at the Shops at Brickerton, off Military Road, the whir of a potter’s wheel and thud of the carpenter’s hammer will meld with sounds and sights of leather workers, weavers, oil and spice merchants and fabric sellers in a vibrant marketplace experience made as authentic as possible. From 6-8 p.m. each evening, visitors are invited to walk into a story that unfolded more than 2,000 years ago.
“First Christmas” was a concept first born 14 years ago of the music and drama ministries of First Baptist Church. Months ago, preparations for this December’s event began. That includes any work needed for casting, costumes, life-sized sets, artifacts and animal arrangements.
What some may not expect is the involvement of several in the Mennonite community.
A choir from Magnolia Mennonite Church of Macon will perform during the weekend, as will a ladies’ group from Faith Mennonite Church of Crawford.
Katie Mast is a member of Faith and also the proprietor of The Corner Bakery at the Shops at Brickerton.
“We’re baking free cookies for everyone who walks through,” she said. The church’s youth group pitched in at the bakery the Saturday after Thanksgiving to help make about 2,400 cookies.
“They’re in the freezer, ready to go,” said Shelly Mast, Katie’s daughter, who also works at the bakery. Others in the family are taking part as well. Katie’s son and friends, and a nephew, will portray Roman soldiers.
“We’re all happy to do it,” said Katie Mast. “The message of Christmas is told through the village, and we wanted to be involved in the community.”
Tina Gatewood is the overall director of “First Christmas” this year. She works closely with artistic director Sondra Dowdle and committee members Diane Gatewood, Judy Livingston and Bill Walker, plus a host of volunteers.
Village structures are already being put in place. Activity will ramp up in the days ahead.
“Everything is coming together. Things have gone smoothly,” Tina Gatewood said. “First Christmas” is the church’s gift to the community, she emphasized. “We have mission trips to places like Brazil and Alaska, and those are great things, but we feel that ministering starts in the community. This really means a lot to our church.”
Volunteers will be on hand to assist where needed. Golf carts will be available to help with handicapped transportation.
In addition to cookies served by The Corner Bakery, Beans & Cream will provide free hot chocolate.
For more information, contact First Baptist Church, 662-328-3915.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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