Christmas at the Library Draws Multitudes to Celebrate the Birth of Christ

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 7, 2015 – The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. is pleased to announce they have welcomed the 1 millionth guest to the Journey of Faith tour during this year’s Christmas at the Library celebration.

Thomas Weir of Seneca, S.C., visited the Billy Graham Library on Monday, Dec. 7.

“We are excited at this milestone,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “We are reminded of Psalm 66:5, ‘Come and see what God has done.’ The Billy Graham Library is not an achievement of man, but of what only God can do. At age 97, my father is humbled that God has used his ministry to bring so many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our hope is that future generations will come and see what God will do through those who surrender their lives to Him.”

Since its opening in 2007, the Billy Graham Library has welcomed visitors from each of the 50 states and more than 86 countries. Those guests have come from all walks of life, from U.S. Presidents to school children, and international dignitaries to retiree tours. Yet, the comments from those varied guests resound the same – that the Billy Graham Library shares more than the legacy of man, it shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope found through a relationship with Him.

“We are celebrating with our guests – this 1 millionth guest – as well as with our staff and volunteers,” said Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library. “We pray that God will continue to use Billy Graham and his ministry through the Library to share the Gospel with all those who come through the foot of the cross.”

At the Billy Graham Library, guests discover how God used one surrendered life to impact millions around the world. The Journey of Faith tour features rare photos, multimedia displays and recreations of historic moments in the life and ministry of Billy Graham, one of the most influential and respected voices of the 20th century.

Visitors to the Billy Graham Library can experience special exhibits, events and seasonal activities for the entire family. Additionally, guests can enjoy lunch at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, spend quiet time in reflection in the prayer garden, shop in Ruth’s Attic Bookstore and visit the Graham Family Homeplace – the childhood home of Billy Graham.

The Billy Graham Library is celebrating Christmas at the Library now through Dec. 23, which includes a live Nativity depicting the very first Christmas night; horse-drawn carriage rides; Christmas story time for children; live music from carolers; a beautiful light display; a large, ornamented Christmas tree; holiday shopping and more.

The Library’s operating hours during December are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas activities begin at 5 p.m. The Library is closed on Sundays. Guests can pet animals from the live Nativity, including camels, goats, sheep, a donkey and a dwarf horse, from noon to 2 p.m. each day. Throughout the day, visitors are also invited to tour the Journey of Faith, the main presentation of the Library, which covers the life and ministry of evangelist Billy Graham.

Other Events and Announcements
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse will dedicate two ambulances to be used in Israel with Magen David Adom – Israel’s national emergency service – in a ceremony at the Billy Graham Library on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. The ambulances will be used to provide emergency medical transport services in the Golan Heights region and Upper Nazareth area.

The Billy Graham Library will be closed to the public Jan. 4-9, 2016 while regular maintenance is performed and system upgrades are being made. The Library will reopen Jan. 11.

About The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 1 million visitors from around the world. Admission to the Library and the Journey of Faith is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please visit www.BillyGrahamLibrary.org. You can also stay connected with the Billy Graham Library on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and on the Library blog.

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