By Sharon Mager,
Below is just a sampling of some of the Christmas activities BCM/D churches are having to honor the birth of Jesus and to share the same Good News with their communities that the angel announced over 2,000 years ago:
“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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Oak Grove Baptist Church will present “Christmas Hope,” Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15. The show is a Broadway-style musical written by Oak Grove’s worship pastor, Steve Poole. It incorporates music arranged by Nashville composer Dave Williams and choreography by world medal winning Hip-Hop dancer Kevyn Jones. The program follows “Pastor Dave” and his work at a small church in New York City. Dave gets some help from a coffee shop owner, a NYPD officer, one of the women in the church, and Dave’s wife. Together they share hope with a pregnant teen and her not-so-street-smart boyfriend. The church will perform the program eight times during the month of December. Tickets for this program are free and can be ordered online at www.oakgrovechristmas.com or by calling the church office at (410) 838-9898.
Bethany Church will present “Persian Sky” on Dec. 13-15 at their Ellicott City campus.
The original production focuses on the Magi as they encounter “the insane King Herod” and ultimately make their way to worship the “King of Kings,” who is then a toddler in Bethlehem.
The dramatic musical features a full orchestra, choir, dance and drama teams as well as stunning visual and special effects. The musical was written and is directed by the church’s minister of music, Sherrie McKay.
Hope Baptist Church, Laurel, will host the “2013 Women of Faith Christmas” simulcast from Dallas, Texas, on December 6 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 per person. There is no child care. Speakers are Sheila Welsh, Lisa Harper, Max Lucado, Rick Warren and music with Francesca Battistelli.
Lynnhaven Baptist Church will host its annual “Walk Through Bethlehem” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 13-15 and 20-22. Over 15,000 people have visited the outdoor event. The church turns the church grounds into the town of Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth, complete with animals, “money changers,” angels and shepherds.
Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Salisbury, will have Santa’s Wonderland 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 13 and 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 7and 14. Kids can visit with Santa, hear a story by Mrs. Clause; make Christmas crafts and enjoy goodies and hot chocolate. It’s all free!
First Baptist Church of Beltsville will have a live nativity and open house from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7-8. Following a Christmas story “come to life,” visit indoors for refreshments and craft activities for the children.
Westminster Baptist Church will have a Christmas program at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1, featuring the children’s choir, mission friends and the “Epic Puppet Ministry.”
The church will take the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for international missions during a parade of flags.
There will be a time of refreshments fellowship following the service.
Ogletown Baptist Church will present the concert, “Hope Arrives” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Grace Place, Dundalk, is collecting writing journals for students at Norwood Elementary School. Last year, the church gave over 700 books to the school, enough for every child to have a gift. This Christmas, at the request of the school principal, the church is providing journaling pads for each child.
Pastor Troy McDaniel said the church wants to bless the school and to reach out to the neighborhood with the love of Jesus.