Anyone travelling on Highway 16 east of Bristow to Slick has, no doubt, seen the large church with a pond and field area on the north side of Slick. Those who often travel the area likely even know the church by name, which is becoming even easier with the church erecting new LED signage this week. However, this story is not about the fancy new sign; instead, Faith Baptist Church began putting on a live, multi-scene nativity a few years ago, igniting a Christ-centered, passionate, Christmas experience for the church and exciting tradition for families. Once again, Faith Country Christmas proved itself to be a holiday family favorite.
The evenings of Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Faith Country Christmas provided families with a live nativity experience they will never forget. Three mule drawn carriages transported visitors through a 7-scene live nativity complete with live animals. A narrator and carolers attended each carriage, giving voice to the story and showcasing the Christian Christmas tale of Christ’s birth.
Faith Baptist Church Pastor Steve Lamberson explained that 3 unique carriages transport visitors through 7 scenes, revealing the reason for the season in Christ’s birth. He described the scenes, beginning with the first.
As their journey began, riders viewed a traditional family decorating for Christmas. Next, they watched as the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, revealing that God was with her and she would give birth to God’s son. In the third scene, riders observed the decree being made that men must return to their birthplaces with their families to be counted for tax. As First Free Will Baptist Church held the “Light Up the Hill ‘24” event on the evening of December 8. The church offered attendees live music, a cross lighting, live nativity, and children’s story.
In a one-of-a-kind concert on December 12, Bristow Public Schools’ band and choir students performed music from “The Polar Express” with drama students also participating in the show. Local musicians performed during the concert as part of the annual “A Very Bristow Christmas Show” as well. The show began at 7 p.m. and ran just over an hour. Prior to the concert, the City of Bristow and Chamber of Commerce set up the non-ice, ice skating rink outside the Freeland Center for the community to skate—for free—in advance of the show. Skating began at 6 p.m.
On December 14, Bristow American Legion Post 126— and in conjunction with the Sons of the Legion and Legion Auxiliary—disseminated food baskets with a complete Christmas meal to 22 veterans’ families and gifts for children to 5 of those families.
Slick’s Faith Baptist Church held its annual Faith Country Christmas live nativity by way of mule drawn carriages on the evenings of December 14 and 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. An estimated 750 people attended the event.
The evening of December 15, members, including children, of Cornerstone Church and Shamrock Baptist Church caroled at the Rainbow Health Care Community and throughout the city of Bristow. Cornerstone Church members also caroled the following Sunday, December 22. Bristow’s Route 66 Cowboy Christmas Facebook page announced the Bristow Bucks winning tickets on December 15, and winners had until December 20, to claim their prizes.
Locally owned by Billy and Susan Ledbetter and Nick Ledbetter, the Reindeer Club of Oklahoma made 3 Bristow appearances this holiday season: at the tree lighting ceremony on November 28, during the Christmas parade on December 5, and at the Bristow Public/Montfort & Allie B. Jones Memorial Library on December 18.
C & J Kountry Fixin’s and CJ’s Bar offered a variety of holiday specials throughout the month of December, including karaoke, an ugly sweater contest, “A Christmas Show” musical extravaganza featuring local musicians, and a visit by Santa. They will host a New Year’s Eve Bash on December 31.