Do you long to get into the real spirit of Christmas, to get a glimpse of what life was like 2,000 years ago in the village of Bethlehem? Are you eager to hear live performances of Christmas music?
If the answer is “yes,” be sure to see “First Christmas” Dec. 11-13 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Brickerton on Military Road in Columbus. Members of First Baptist Church of Columbus, teaming up with the Shops at Brickerton, will stage the sights, sounds and events surrounding the Christmas Story in Bethlehem for three consecutive nights. Visitors will be able to visit a replica of a historic Bethlehem marketplace with 13 shops, a home, a synagogue, an inn and the nativity — complete with live animals and outdoor drama scenes. Roman soldiers on horses, shopkeepers and a Rabbi teaching children will provide an interactive experience for village guests.
Musical performances
In addition to walking through Bethlehem, attendees will be able to hear Christmas music provided by local and area choirs. Jayne Doolittle, coordinator for “First Christmas” choral performances, has scheduled 12 groups. On Friday, Dec. 11, Heritage Academy’s Chorus will perform at 6 p.m., the Hamilton Honor Choir at 6:20 p.m., followed by the Magnolia Mennonite Youth Choir and Faith Mennonite Women’s Choir.
Performing Saturday, Dec. 12 will be Deborah and Kenny Gardner at 6 p.m. The First United Methodist Choir will sing at 6:30 p.m., followed by East End Baptist Church at 7 p.m., with Pleasant Grove’s Choir at 7:30 p.m.
The schedule Sunday, Dec. 13 will feature FBC Columbus’ Ladies Ensemble at 6 p.m. with the Men of Praise joining the ladies at 6:30 p.m. Men of Praise will perform at 7 p.m., and the Sanctuary Choir will wrap up the event beginning at 7:30 p.m.
“We believe the addition of more choral groups will enhance the experience of ‘First Christmas’ for attendees,” said Doolittle. “Christmas music is always so uplifting and joyous.”
Village interaction
Many visitors have said that experiencing the “First Christmas” village of Bethlehem is a must-do for their Christmas. “It helps me catch the true spirit of the season,” said one annual visitor.
This is the 15th production of the event by FBC members; it’s the third year to be presented at Brickerton, which affords more space for the village and parking.
Tina Gatewood, overall director of “First Christmas,” said, “It is absolutely amazing how many people are actively involved in the production of this event. Each character has studied his or her role in the presentation and strives to make it as realistic as possible. Much research has been accomplished through the years, and the characters are more fully developed. Many of the roles have been portrayed by the same person year after year.”
Robert Sanderson, artistic director, has been working with the characters to prepare them for their presentations in the village. “We believe it will be a memorable evening for each person who comes,” he said. “During his short ministry on earth, Jesus was out where the people were. In this presentation, church walls are down and people will be able to see Jesus. Visitors will be able to choose their own pathway to Christ.”
Gatewood added, “We sincerely hope this Christmas presentation inspires participants and attendees to examine their lives and to reflect upon spiritual matters.”
Huge undertaking
Judy Livingston, affectionately known “mayor of Bethlehem,” has continued to enhance sets and props in the village. “It is so humbling to realize how the real village of Bethlehem changed what we’re doing today and how we live. I never cease to be amazed to see it all coming together as we prepare each year. Our church’s commitment to this ministry has continued to grow. ”
Event construction coordinator David Gatewood and his team began setting up in early November. “This is a massive undertaking,” said Gatewood. “It takes quite a few people to move all the village shops into place. We strive to arrange the village sets so visitor traffic will flow smoothly and efficiently.”
Bill Walker, vice-president at Brickyard Properties, invited First Baptist Church to use the Brickerton location for the “First Christmas” production, offering more space for the Bethlehem village and more accessibility for visitors.
“We are pleased to host this Christmas event at Brickerton and to play a role in providing this Christmas experience to the community,” said Walker. “The shop owners have helped with many aspects, from ideas to setup. They are so supportive of this occasion to put the focus on ‘Christ’ in Christmas.”
Beans ‘n Cream will serve hot chocolate and The Corner Bakery will provide cookies each of the three nights to guests.
Parking areas will be clearly marked. Cars may use the main Brickerton entrance on Military Road, near the Highway 82 Bypass, or use the Columbus Brickyard Entrance off Bluecutt Road.
The event has been made possible through the collective efforts of more than 500 volunteers and will feature a cast of approximately 250 people.
For more information about “First Christmas,” contact the FBC office, 662-328-3915.
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