To say that Christmas is my favorite holiday would be a little bit of an understatement. Some people might say it’s cliche or naive but it’s true. Being a December baby might play a big part in it, but Christmas is more than just my favorite holiday, it’s also one of my favorite things. I can hear Julie Andrews singing about all the things I love about the holiday: the trees, the decorations, the lights, the carols, Santa and his reindeer, the giving of gifts, family and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in her winter glory. I could rattle more things off for this list, but underneath all of those things lies the true meaning of Christmas and the most special part of why I adore this holiday; the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The fact that God gave us the ultimate gift of His only Son is definitely worth celebrating and maybe that’s the reason Christmas is in my heart all year round.
Every year, my church puts on a living Nativity to help share the true meaning of Christmas with our community. I have had the honor of portraying Mary in years past, but last week I was able to capture the event with my camera. It was a little challenging on account of the lighting at night, but I thought it would be fun to share the photos with you.
At Freedom Church, our living Nativity is an event full of fun and festivities for the whole family! From the Navitity scene with Mary, Joseph, the angel, and shepards, to the wiseman’s tent in the east, a petting zoo and crafts for the kids, the Bethlehem bakery where you can get freshly baked goodies, the welcome tent where you can enjoy complementary hot cocoa or cider. There are even fire pits where you can warm your hands and make s’mores!
I am so proud to be part of such a wonderful event and if you are local, I whole heartly recommend taking the time to experience the true meaning of Christmas. You can even drive through and enjoy it from your car!
Happy Christmas Everyone! May the love and joy of the season fill your hearts today and always!
