Thomas Road Baptist Church throws annual Christmas performance

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A quick walk around campus or a drive through Lynchburg is all one needs to see that Christmas is finally here again. As Liberty and the surrounding Lynchburg community prepare for the holiday season, one part of the Lynchburg Christmas tradition is gearing up for its annual show. Thomas Road Baptist Church will be having its 51st Virginia Christmas Spectacular this week to kick off the Christmas season. 

Thomas Road Baptist Church’s  Virginia Christmas Spectacular will have five different show times: Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. Liberty students can also attend the Spectacular for free at the friends, family and LU night Wednesday, Dec. 7. 

Planning for the show started right after last Christmas in late January. The process happens in stages. The creative team uses the spring term to write the script and plan the visual aspect of the show. Then, they use the summer to develop music for the play. Some songs are newly developed while others return from previous years. Once the ideas, scripts and music are complete, casting is completed in September. All ages share their talents in the spectacular with a variety of music styles.

“This year’s show is lots of fun,” Denise Thomas, an instructor at Liberty and member of the VCS team,  said. “(It) includes lots of LU students.” 

After casting is complete, it is full steam ahead until Christmas with weekly rehearsals to prepare for the grand event. 

“This year’s theme is an adaptation of a late 60s … variety TV show Christmas special,” Adam Lancaster, chief creative officer, said. “It is going to have a lot of vintage flair and beauty.”

The idea of the Virginia Christmas Spectacular began with the vision of Dr. Jerry Falwell. He saw the event as not only an opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ but as a means to tell others about the gift of salvation that was given to the world.  

“It is a way that our community can have a great Christmas show experience,” Lancaster said. “It never ends without giving people the opportunity to make a decision towards following Jesus.”

With a special emphasis on thankfulness for loved ones during the Christmas season, the Virginia Christmas Spectacular is open to the public and is a way family and friends can celebrate together.  

For more information about the Virginia Christmas Spectacular, visit their website.

Auld is a feature reporter for the Liberty Champion