PHOTOS: Joy of Jesus Shines Through at Teddy Bear Tea

By Tommy Berry   •   December 5, 2016

Girl smiling and holding stuffed camel; wearing 'Merry Christmas' headband
The 9th annual Teddy Bear Tea at the Billy Graham Library brought smiles to the faces of nearly 250 children and their parents as they celebrated Christ's birth early on Dec. 3. No matter what your age, you can celebrate Christmas at the Library, too, now through Dec. 23.
Hundreds of children take up nearly every seat in the dining room of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, right behind the Billy Graham Library. It was standing room only for their parents.
Girl skipping down the hall; other children parents behind her
These children can't hide their joy as they skip down the long hall to the tea.
Children's entertainer Ted Loring dressed in shephard outfit and holding staff on stage
Children's entertainer Ted Loring dressed as a shepherd to help tell the Christmas story and the gift God gave us through His Son, Jesus Christ.
A family posing for picture in front of large Christmas tree
Posing with their stuffed camels in front of a beautiful Christmas tree, decorated with crosses and bells.
Two girls talking, eating treats, drinking hot chocolate
These two look older than their years as they chat and enjoy hot chocolate, cupcakes, Rice Krispies treats and fruit.
Nativity scene
Volunteers provided different nativity scenes that adorned every table.
Girl looking at stuffed camel
Intrigued by her stuffed camel, a gift given to all the children to remember the special day.
Children and parents ride in a horse-drawn carriage
A ride in a horse-drawn carriage was offered as part of the fun afternoon.
Little girl with hands folded, praying
"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." —Mark 10:14
Children holding up stuffed camels
The stuffed camels were actively involved in the festivities.
Girl petting a sheep
Petting a sheep at the Christmas at the Library nativity scene.
Ted Loring and children pointing to item
The kids helped point out important items around the room as part of a skit.
Little boy smiling
There were a lot of little girls at the tea but this little guy looks happy enough.
Girls and a boy pose for picture
All dressed up for their big day out.
Girl looking at decorated Rice Krispy treat
Children enjoyed the goodies but left with the best gift—knowing about God's love for them. Would you like to share God's love with someone? Bring them to Christmas at the Library.