A Hometown Christmas Near the Beach

South Florida will celebrate a hometown Christmas with music, dancing and fun for all ages at the 9th Annual Christmas Near the Beach on December 12th from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Arts Park at Young Circle in Hollywood. The event will include bands, ballet, drama, a kids zone, a sports zone, Christmas food drive, vendors, classic car show and a free photo with St. Nick at his “Beach House.” It will kick-off with some worship and soon St. Nick will arrive in a convertible and give a gift to baby Jesus. The inspiration behind this was to appeal to all walks of life and show how secular tales and religion merge.

After that the night continues with more worship, giveaways and performances. At St. Nick’s beach house, a festive South Florida home, families can relax while they wait for their picture with Santa and admire his Christmas tree. While having the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa, guests can receive free tickets for the raffle, which includes three thousand dollars worth of prizes.

 

A World Record?

During the event, there is also a special opportunity for people to be a part of an attempt to break a Guinness World Record. Everyone loves Christmas caroling, so Christmas Near the Beach is teaming up with the South Florida community to attempt the title of “Most People Caroling.” They would love to see groups like the Boy Scouts or choirs to help boost numbers; everyone is welcome to participate. Visit christmasnearthebeach.com to sign up.

 

Ministry

Deena McDaniels, the producer and director of Christmas Near the Beach said, “This event brings together the diverse communities of South Florida to celebrate together the wonder of Christmas.  The event also provides an opportunity for the faithful churches of South Florida to stand united and proclaim Christ to the watching world.  They will know we are Christians by our love for one another.”

It also provides multiple ministry opportunities. There will be a Christmas Food Drive with Open Heart Food Pantry, a Hollywood Hills Community Church dedicated to helping the community. If you bring three cans of food, you’ll receive a free ticket for contest prizes. Towards the end of the night St. Nick’s tree will also be given away to one winner.

Admission to the event is free. “The Gospel is free because our salvation was paid in full by our Savior Jesus Christ,” said McDaniels, adding, “For this reason we are committed to bringing the Gospel of Christ to the nations of South Florida without cost to those who would receive it. We have been blessed to have brothers and sisters who share our commission and commitment come along side and work with us toward our common mission. Proclaiming the name of Christ and His glorious Gospel boldly, clearly and publicly until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord.”

 

History

This year is Christmas Near the Beach’s ninth year of touching the lives of the people of South Florida during Christmas time. McDaniels, the mastermind behind it all, explained, “Christmas Near the Beach began as an outreach to the community in December 2007 at the Beach Theater at Johnson Street on Hollywood Beach.  We outgrew the Beach Theater and when we moved to the larger venue at the Arts Park we simply changed the ‘on’ to ‘Near.’

“Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 3:8-10 NLT) Our South Florida community is able to come together to celebrate Christ in Christmas. We’re winning the war on Christmas… our boots are on the ground! (St. Nick’s too….).”

Christmas Near the Beach is an opportunity for you to attend a festive local event free of stress and free of charge. Invite friends and have a great time while Christmas Near the Beach provides an awesome venue that introduces Christ to the community. For more information, visit christmasnearthebeach.com or call 954-428-4480. For location information, visit www.visithollywoodfl.og.

 

Gabriella Morris is a home school student and writer at Good News. She can be reached at [email protected].

Share this article

Comments