CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 23, 2010 – Whether drawn by the lights, the music or the opportunity to do something special this Christmas season, thousands are expected again this year to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., for its third annual “Christmas at the Library” celebration Dec. 1-23.
“Christmas is my favorite time of year at the Billy Graham Library,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “We want people to come and experience all of the festivities, enjoy the lights and decorations and have a wonderful time together. But most of all, we want to point every visitor to God’s greatest gift, His son Jesus Christ, who is always the focus at the Library.”
New this year is a display in the Library’s lobby of unique gifts received by Billy and Ruth Graham from all over the world. The festivities also include a number of features visitors have enjoyed in previous years: horse-drawn carriage rides; Christmas story time for children; hot cocoa in the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar; live music from carolers; a beautiful display of lights; a huge, ornamented Christmas tree; and a live Nativity, depicting the very first Christmas night.
“My three-year old son was mesmerized by the live Nativity,” said one visitor last year. “We’ve emphasized the true meaning of Christmas at our home for weeks, but seeing Joseph and Mary holding the baby Jesus, seeing the sheep, the goats and the camel and the beautiful backdrop solidified the true image of Christmas in his little mind.”
The Library will extend its normal operating hours to 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Dec. 1-23, with Christmas activities running from 5 to 10 p.m. Guests can pet some of the animals from the live Nativity from 12 noon until 2 p.m. each day. Throughout the day, visitors are also invited to tour “The Journey of Faith,” the main presentation of the Library, which covers the life and ministry of evangelist Billy Graham. Entrance, as always, is free.
Tickets are still available for the third annual “Teddy Bear Tea,” designed for children ages 5 and up, which will take place on Dec. 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the headquarters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Guests will enjoy holiday treats, festive entertainment and a plush Library teddy bear to take home. Cost is $15 per child. Advance reservations are required by Nov. 29 by calling (704) 401-3251.
*Editor’s Note: Media are invited to cover “Christmas at the Library.” Please call Graham Clark at (704) 401-2116 (office) or (980) 939-4377 (cell) to schedule a date and time.
About BGEA
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org .