The annual Christmas production at Grace Polaris, a Grace Brethren church on the north side of Columbus, Ohio (Mike Yoder, lead pastor), kicks off this week for two weekends of performances. It begins with the Night of Giving on Thursday, December 5, when the church provides complimentary tickets to local charitable organizations so they may have the opportunity to share the Living Christmas Trees experience with their constituents and employees. This special first performance is not open to the public. The Grace Polaris family asks that you join them in praying that all in attendance would be open to the true message of Christmas!
The first public performance is Friday, December 6, with additional performances through December 8, then again on December 12-15. This year’s production is titled 100 Christmas Candles and follows the story of Eli Washington, beloved favorite son of HogWash, W. Va., who turns 100 years old this Christmas. Nearly all 301 town residents stop by Miss Ruby’s soup kitchen to wish him Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas. The lively festivities are emceed by town character Catfish Carter, just one of the many interesting people you’ll meet! Be captivated by the wit, wisdom, and good ol’ Southern humor of a man with the unique perspective of having 99 Christmases in the rear view mirror. Young and old will laugh and learn about love, life, and the true and timeless message of Christmas: God came to us to be our Savior.
As always, this year’s performances feature the brand-new music of the church’s 100-voice choir and 50-piece orchestra accompanying a cast of more than 150 actors of all ages. Live animals, beautiful sets, and spectacular lighting make for wonderful Christmas memories for the whole family. All who attend are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help stock Central Ohio area food pantries for the holidays and beyond. Look for collection boxes as you enter.
For ticket information, see the Living Christmas Trees.