St. Andrew Methodist Church invites the community to go on a transformative journey through “Stations of the Nativity,” a new, outdoor, self-guided, 35-minute audio tour (accessed via a QR code) through ten stations featuring the story of Jesus’ birth with scriptural meditations and music. There is no cost for the experience, which is open Dec. 3 – 31, from dawn to dusk. The tour begins at the Hasley Chapel and continues through the meditation garden, down the hill, and to the cross at the pond in the northern portion of St. Andrew’s campus, located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway.
“This is a magical experience like no other in North Texas that puts you in the Bible story alongside the original witnesses for Jesus’ birth,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, St. Andrew Methodist Church. “Bring your family and friends and walk alongside Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. Listen to eyewitnesses of those who have seen the birth of the Christ child, the light of the world. Without question, this experience will send you forth in awe of the reality of the age-old story of Christmas and the greatest promise ever made.”
Rev. Lauren Gerlach, assoc. pastor and director of education and teaching ministries at St. Andrew, researched Stations of the Nativity, an old but rare tradition, to ensure that St. Andrew’s experience would be authentic and educational. Utilizing scripture, prayer, and music, as well as teaching moments, each station presents the Christmas story in a unique and inspiring way.
Come any time daily from dawn to dusk, Dec. 3-31, access the ten stations via a QR code, and walk alongside Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.
“The Christian idea of ‘stations’ relates to following along on a journey,” said Rev. Gerlach. “It makes the story real to us. Last spring, St. Andrew offered a similar experience with Stations of the Cross for Lent, and many shared that walking the stations was such a powerful experience! Having this experience outside takes participants into the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of nature and makes it accessible to anyone any day of the week. It is our hope that through this inviting experience, participants will ultimately see themselves in the story. No matter where you are in your spiritual life, this educational retelling of the Christmas story will take you on a journey like no other.”
The grand opening of the Stations of the Nativity on Dec. 3 is also the night of St. Andrew’s Advent Celebration, a fun-filled evening across the campus for the entire family from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On this evening, the Stations of the Nativity will be lighted for evening tours, and the community may also enjoy a trackless Christmas train ride, a winter wonderland with an 8-ft. snow tubing luge along with a snowy play area, and photos with Santa.
Young children are invited to participate in “A Night in Bethlehem,” which includes indoor, themed stations leading to a Nativity display. The St. Andrew children’s choir will perform holiday favorites at 5:40 p.m., complete with sing-along caroling, and all ages will enjoy the big band sound of Imperial Brass performing a concert of holiday favorites. A pasta dinner is available for purchase and hot cocoa will be available at no cost throughout the evening.
For more information and additional holiday events, concerts, worship and activities, visit standrewmethodist.org/Christmas
St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members, and is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.orgor call (972)380-8001 for additional information.