Discover the True Meaning of Christmas

View a living nativity by the Owasso Campus of the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.

Finding the real meaning of the holiday season can be hard to do. With all the commercialism and the hustle and bustle that occurs during this time of year, teaching your family how to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas can become a difficult task. But, the Owasso Campus of the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, located at 12700 E. 76th St. N., is ready to help. For the past 15 years, they have organized an outstanding Christmas pageant and living nativity depicting eight integral scenes from the Bible.

Scott Pallett, head administrator of the Owasso Campus, explains that this is something the entire home looks forward to each year. “The children love getting the chance to dress up in the beautiful costumes and create a wonderful memory for the families that drive through our scenes,” he explains. “It takes more than a month to set up all the areas, run the electricity for the lighting, and get the children prepared for their parts in the Christmas pageant, but everyone loves doing it!”

The event takes place December 10-12. Beginning at 7 p.m., guests enter via 129th Street North, pick up a CD from one of the children’s home staff members to listen to in their car so they can hear the narration of each scene, and drive through each of the eight areas at their own leisure. The first scene depicts the beginning of the Bible with a scene from the Garden of Eden. The final scene showcases a beautiful story of resurrection and celebration filled with angels and, of course, Jesus.

“The entire visit usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, but we hope it has a lifelong effect on those that attend,” says Donna Brooks, regional development coordinator. “This has become a tradition for many of the families that come back and visit us year after year. It is a family tradition that kicks off their holiday season. We welcome everyone in the area to come out and enjoy this. It is our Christmas gift back to the community.”

Donna says that they typically have hundreds of people visit this event, but her hope is to have thousands come. “We just want everyone to enjoy and experience the real meaning of Christmas, and we enjoy being able to promote it.”

Since the living nativity scenes take place in December, you may be concerned about the children who are a huge part of the fun each year. Not to worry though, says Scott. “We actually rotate the children out every 30 minutes. They get a chance to go inside their cottages and get snacks and get warmed back up,” he states. “Plus, they get a chance to fellowship with others during breaks, and often that time spent hanging out and talking with the other children is their favorite part.”

Donna and Scott both say that since this is an outdoor event, it is always a good idea to keep the weather forecast in the back of your mind. “We have had to cancel the production before due to rain, snow or sleet, but we have been very lucky,” laughs Donna. “Most of the years, we have been able to complete all three nights without too much trouble. We just ask that people come back and try again if we get inclement weather one of the evenings. It really is worth the effort!”

As you begin marking dates on your Christmas calendar, be sure to start your own family tradition and visit the living nativity at the Owasso children’s home, December 10-12. It is an experience that will touch your life and truly enhance your holiday season.

For more information, ­contact Donna Brooks at

(918) 272-2233.

For more information, contact

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children

Owasso Campus

12700 E. 76th St. N.

Owasso, OK 74055

(918) 272-2233

www.obhc.org