A Christmas celebration: Ministry to the community
Photo: Ryan England sings with a group of children during a scene from “A Christmas Celebration: The Miracle,” being presented by Broadway Baptist Church. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
As we are in the middle of the season of giving thanks, we start to approach the time where Christians prepare to give thanks for and celebrate the eternal gift given to all, the gift of the baby Jesus.
Many area churches will offer special programs and events in the next few weeks as part of their Christmas celebration. For members of Broadway Baptist Church, 7400 Getwell Road in Southaven, the holiday presentation of “A Christmas Celebration: The Miracle” is the church’s ministry to the community, said Donald Scott, a choir member who has been a part of other Christmas programs with the church in the past.
“We’ve seen peoples’ lives changed from coming and witnessing the story of Christmas and the birth of Christ,” Scott said. “It’s really encouraging to me as a participant and a Christian, that some of this can speak to the hearts of people and tell them about Christ. The drama part will be encouraging to someone who maybe had a loss or a tragedy in their life. It’s uplifting.”
Michael Gross, who is assisting brother David in directing “A Christmas Celebration,” compares the production to a mix of Broadway musical, typical Christmas cantata, and drama.
“The drama story features an ordinary, everyday family during the Christmas season facing a crisis,” said Gross. “Through the crisis, the family is able to discover the true meaning of Christmas.”
Broadway has done other Christmas productions in past years, most recently presenting “The Word,” which Gross said was a drama centering from the Old Testament scripture to the birth of Christ. He likens “A Christmas Celebration” as a continuation of that story from Jesus’ birth to the second coming.
“We hope that people will come and have a great time and know that this is an event they can feel safe and bring their kids to, bring their parents to, and bring their families to,” added Justin Smith, Broadway’s associate pastor of family discipleship. “Ultimately, we hope they leave with a message of hope. The entire musical, the production itself, is steeped in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we want the community to know that God loves them, that Jesus Christ died for their sins.”
The actors and singers that the viewers will see when they attend “A Christmas Celebration” are just a small part of a larger group of church members who are an integral part of the program. Gross said about 150 are involved and they were excited to be a part of it.
“They were ready to jump in, no questions asked, and pitch in where they could,” Gross said. “The 150 includes greeters and ushers, drama, the choir, kitchen staff, backstage production team up in the sound booth, and all that stuff.”
“It’s such a blessing to see everyone use their skills, their talents, and to come together for the unified purpose of reaching out beyond the four walls and being that beacon of hope in the community,” Smith added. “For a lot of people, this is their ministry. We want people to use their construction skills, their greeting skills, whatever God has given them to serve.”
Tickets for “A Christmas Celebration” are free but must be reserved to accommodate all wanting to come. The production dates are Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. both evenings, and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m.
For ticket information and reservations, visit the Broadway Baptist Church website, under events. You may also call the church office during office hours at 662-350-0020.
