His congregation has hosted a Nativity Festival for ten years and this year he invited other churches to join in and display loaned nativity scenes and other religious art in their buildings. Open to the public at no charge, this festival offers everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the true meaning of Christmas and the awesome gift God gave to us - His Son, whose birth, death, resurrection, and forgiving grace gives everlasting life to us all.
Walking through the participating churches, visitors see works of art from around the U.S. and world - and some work done by precious children. Each evokes a deep, emotional response - joy to the world. Having five venues this year multiplies the experience for everyone. Each church has different displays and all are divine. Or should I say Divine with a capital “D”?
On a personal level, I’ve been awed by the meaningful displays, but also deeply moved by the participation of the members and friends of my church, Advent Lutheran Church, 1416 Vernon Street, who loaned treasured family heirlooms and also gave of their time to set up and/or construct the beautiful scenes people will enjoy this week.
Seattle, Washington has been in the news about Christmas. It’s sad, disturbing news. I believe that if Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue knew about the Nativity Festival in LaGrange, and he had the time to do so, he would bring First Lady Mary down here to see how we celebrate this holy holiday - with reverence and respect.
The festival is open this week (Monday through Friday) from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Then on Saturday and Sunday it will be open from noon to 8:00 p.m. In addition to the two churches I’ve mentioned, also hosting this year are St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 207 North Greenwood Street, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 200 Lafayette Parkway, and Broad Street Church of Christ, 408 Broad Street.
As you will have noted, it’s a very ecumenical venture. It’s Christmas (Christian) venture.
Many, many thanks to Rev. Lawrence for inviting and inspiring others to join the Nativity Festival.
And an open invitation to visit is extended to Governor Perdue. The Washington governor can come, too, if she’d like to do so.
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