Motorists along Military Road in Columbus near The Shops at Brickerton may have noticed a few additions in recent days. The grassy lot to the right of the shops has sprouted rustic structures that will soon represent a Bethlehem marketplace of old. Members of First Baptist Church of Columbus are busy setting up the village that will hold the sights, sounds and events of the Christmas story. The Bethlehem drama will be presented from 6-8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 9-11.
The public is invited to visit the replica village that will include 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.
Christmas music will be provided by area choirs. Jayne Doolittle, coordinator for First Christmas choral performances, has scheduled school groups and church choirs from the Golden Triangle area for live performances.
“We are expanding the number of choral groups again this year to enhance the experience of First Christmas attendees,” said Doolittle. “The Christmas music was so popular last year and provides a wonderful backdrop for the drama. For me, the songs and music of Christmas are so uplifting and help me find the spirit of Christmas.”
Collaborative effort
This is the 16th production of First Christmas by First Baptist members; it’s the fourth year to be presented at Brickerton, which affords ample space for the village and parking. The Shops at Brickerton team up with the church for the event and help in many aspects, from providing hot chocolate and cookies to live animals for the drama.
“I never cease to be amazed by how many people are actively involved in the production of this event each year. Several hundred people work together in amazing ways to make it run smoothly,” said Tina Gatewood, overall First Christmas chairperson.
Gatewood added, “Each character in the drama has studied his or her role 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 are portrayed by the same person year after year, so they really taken ownership in making the character come alive.”
Doug and MaryAnn Reava will again depict oil and spice merchants in the marketplace.
“Part of this is learning the culture and history of what we do, how it was then,” said Doug Reava, who has studied spices used in ancient times and long-ago sea and land trade routes. “It wasn’t like today, where we run down to the store to get your cinnamon; there was a lot more to it.”
Community involvement is one reason the Reavas have returned year after year to their First Christmas roles.
“But another part of it is that there are people who come there to learn, so basically we’re life teachers, helping them and us have a greater understanding of biblical times. It causes us to be humble.”
Gatewood said, “It will be a memorable evening for each person who comes. 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. We sincerely hope this Christmas presentation inspires participants and attendees to examine their lives and to reflect upon spiritual matters.”
Parking spaces will be plentiful; 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.
First Christmas is made possible through the collective efforts of more than 500 volunteers and will feature a cast of approximately 250 people.
For more information, contact the First Baptist Church office, 662-328-3915.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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