Highlights Include the Bells of Bethlehem, Concerts and Daily Christmas Story Readings
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2022 – Not only are Museum of the Bible’s halls decked with festive displays, they are ringing with the sounds of the season as the museum plays host to multiple guests performing Christmas concerts and telling stories of the season. Its “Bells of Bethlehem: Sounds from the Church of the Nativity” exhibit and daily Christmas story readings round out the holiday experience.
Musical Performances
Beyond the exclusive exhibition featuring bells from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and performances by local and national choirs, the lineup of Christmas concerts includes Point of Grace, the Gettys and gospel artists such as the Nelons and Karen Peck singing in the New Year. Cairn University Chorale, Voices of Lee, and the Liberty University ensembles “Praise” and “Shine” are also slated to perform.
“Museum of the Bible is the most joyful place to celebrate the festive season in Washington,” said CEO Harry Hargrave. “In addition to the many holiday concerts and programs, I’m most excited about the daily Christmas story readings, a special family tradition beginning at the museum this year.”
Special presentations
Other holiday events include:
Dr. David Jeremiah will speak about his new book and docufilm, “Why the Nativity?,” on Dec. 1, followed by free daily screenings of the film Dec. 3-Jan. 6.
EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo will host a book signing and reading of his new children’s book, “The Wise Men Who Found Christmas,” on Dec. 10. Guests can enjoy listening to this tale of three seekers who follow a star and find themselves in the middle of the greatest story ever told.
A “Did You Know” presentation explores museum artifacts that relate to Christmas each Friday at 1 p.m. (Demo Lab, Floor 4)
A special Christmas-themed “Lunch & Learn” on Dec. 21 at noon features Dr. Daniel Stevens, assistant professor of New Testament interpretation at Boyce College, discussing some of the common traditions, as well as common myths, surrounding Christmas celebrations.
Museum guests are invited to help the narrator change Scrooge's disposition toward Christmas in an interactive dialogue, “‘A Christmas Carol’ and Biblical Allusions of Charles Dickens,” on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 and 3 p.m., Dec. 9-31, in the Drive Thru Theater on Floor 4.
Storytime on Fridays at 12:30 and 2 p.m., Nov. 25-Dec. 31, in the Demo Lab on Floor 4 features “One Small Donkey” by author Dandi Daley MacKall. A cuddly puppet will tell the story from the perspective of the donkey who carried Mary to Bethlehem, showing how even the smallest among us can play a big role.
Hanukkah storytelling will occur daily from Dec. 18-26 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the foyer of the World of Jesus of Nazareth exhibit on Floor 3. During the weeks leading up to and during Hanukkah, living history interpreters will immerse guests in a dramatic retelling of the Maccabean Revolt and relive the wonder of the miracle of light. This storytelling experience will include pantomime fights, a tyrannical leader, a brave hero and the miraculous provision of eight days of light, all leading to the independence of the Jewish nation.
The museum’s international Christmas market offers unique holiday gifts for loved ones. Kids can enjoy ornament making (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 1-4 p.m. daily on Floor 5) and a Nativity workshop (Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room on Floor 1M). The Christmas story readings will be held daily at noon, Nov. 25-Dec. 31, in the Floor 3 atrium.
For more information about the many Christmas events and activities happening this season at the museum, visit https://www.museumofthebible.org/gloria.
About Museum of the Bible
Museum of the Bible is a global, innovative, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. Making its grand opening to the public in November 2017, Museum of the Bible’s 430,000-square-foot building is located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Museum of the Bible aims to be among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world. Showcasing rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history, the museum offers visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible and its ongoing impact on the world around us. For more information, visit museumoftheBible.org.
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