“For many people who visit us during Christmas at the Library, it’s become a tradition,” said Diane Wise, Promotions Manager for the Billy Graham Library. “We hear wonderful comments about things like the live Nativity and the importance of bringing their children back to see something of this significance. This gives families the chance to carve out a peaceful night with their family, while keeping it within the context of Christ’s birth.”
“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.”
Along with this live Nativity, visitors can expect to see most features in years’ past, such as 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; and a huge, ornamented Christmas tree.
Visitors can also shop in Ruth’s Attic, the Billy Graham Library store, for Christmas gifts and souvenirs.
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. “Our goal is to change the display each year to offer the excitement of something new. This year we will display gifts given to Mr. and Mrs. Graham over the years,” explained Wise. The gift exhibit will be available through December 31.
Among the meaningful gifts on display are:
- An American flag flown over combat mission that rescued two critical patients in Afganistan
- A cross, made of steel from the Twin Towers, sent by a New York police officer
- Items given to them by children and grandchildren
“Christmas is a particularly meaningful time at the Library as we emphasize and celebrate our Savior’s birth,” said Debra Cordial, director of the Billy Graham Library. “Especially now, with so many experiencing difficult times, the Library can be a place for people to find peace and renewal. Our greatest hope this Christmas season is that every person who visits would truly know the beauty of Jesus’ birth and what it means for humanity.”
Admission and Christmas activities at the Billy Graham Library are offered at no charge to visitors (with the exception of the Teddy Bear Tea). To plan your visit go to the Billy Graham Library Web site.