Seven days until Christmas. While the Christmas countdown makes children giddy with anticipation, most adults feel Christmas is more of an impending deadline than an approaching celebration. A brisk walk (because we are much too busy to stroll) through any retail store will bombard our senses with Santa, reindeer, snowman, and presents. However, will we pause with our families to savor what Christmas is really about?

The angel in the Gospel of Luke summarizes the true meaning of Christmas well, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”

So, for the next three nights, First Baptist Church, Natchez, is presenting “The Miracle of Christmas,” a drive through event to remind us what Christmas is truly about. The drive through includes three stations around the church. The first station is a lights display. Ed Bowser, who is known for the yearly lights display at his home on 9 Raintree St. S., has sequenced the lights to Christmas music for FBC as well. Spectators can set their car radio to FM 90.9 and watch the Christmas lights dance to the songs. The next station features free hot chocolate and a spotlight upon a manger and a cross. The final station is a live nativity with children, youth, adults, and a couple of barn animals portraying the birth of Christ.

“The Miracle of Christmas” drive through will be running 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 21-23 at First Baptist Church, Natchez, on 150 D’Evereaux Drive. There is no cost, and the public is invited. Please use the front entrance. Come and remember Christ, the miracle of Christmas.

 

Marlee Howard is the children’s director at First Baptist Church in Natchez.