‘Christmas House’ comes to Trussville

In an effort to share the age-old meaning of Christmas in a contemporary way, more than 200 members of First Baptist Church, Trussville, in Birmingham Baptist Association are joining forces to present its first-ever “Christmas House.”
   
According to Joe Estes, minister of music and worship at First, Trussville, this event has been in the works for a while. 
   
“We started in the spring of 2005, thinking we were going to present it last Christmas, but we decided to concentrate our resources on (Hurricane) Katrina relief instead,” he said.
   
Scheduled for Dec. 11–13 and 15–17, “Christmas House” will not only entertain but also touch hearts, Estes said.
   
“We’ll be addressing issues that people in our community can relate to — divorce, aging parents, raising kids, grief, the busyness of the holidays — and help refocus attention on what Christmas is really about,” he said.
   
Developed around a walk-through drama about old friends who unexpectedly reunite, “Christmas House” will also give visitors a tour of the church highlighted by a festive Christmas village in the central Gathering Space. The village will feature a forest of 14-foot trees decorated by groups ranging from preschoolers to senior adults.
   
“‘Christmas House’ is a wonderful opportunity for our First (Trussville) family to share the message of Christ with people from all over the Trussville area and beyond,” said Pastor Buddy Champion. “There are a lot of people out there who don’t understand the relevance of the gospel to their everyday lives. It is our prayer that we can help them understand and that they can experience Christmas in a way they’ve never experienced it before.”
   
“Christmas House” tour groups are limited to a maximum of 20 people. Groups will be scheduled at 15-minute intervals and reservations are strongly recommended. Ample parking and handicap access are available.
   
For information on tour times, call the church at 205-655-2403, and to make reservations, call 205-228-1016. (TAB)