The sound of bleating baby goats drew visitors to a live nativity where they heard the Christmas story read throughout the night. Children tugged at their parents’ coats and pulled them toward the scene where Mary and Joseph stood by a manger, surrounded by shepherds and grazing animals—all telling the story of that first Christmas night.

Christmas at the Library is now underway, and it’s become a tradition for many families and individuals. Jonathan and Sara Clayton recently brought their 8-year-old son, Ezra, to this festive holiday experience focused on Jesus. The Claytons want to make sure he understands why we celebrate this time of year. 

“We have an Advent [devotion] that we do every night, so we go through the entire story of Jesus and why He was here,” Sara said. 

The Claytons also took the Library’s Journey of Faith tour, which explores how God can use ordinary people like Billy Graham to accomplish His purposes and share His love.

Reserve your spot for Christmas at the Library. Admission and parking are free.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Kailyn Sanderson brought her friend, Danielle, to Christmas at the Library for the first time this week. The pair took a moment to share what Christmas means to them. 

“Christmas is love [because] Jesus is love,” Danielle said. “[It’s about] sharing God’s Word, and letting people see Him in us.”

The friends said their hope and prayer for other Library guests is that they come to know Christ personally and the peace that He offers us all. 

“God’s presence is on these very grounds,” Kailyn said. “As you walk into [the Library] at the foot of the cross, it reminds you that there was a price that was paid for each one of us.”

A Servant’s Heart

Gaven Boring and his brother Owen drove 445 miles from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to volunteer during the annual event. The brothers stayed for five days, giving their time to serve visitors, whether assisting at the carriage rides or standing in the live nativity. 

The Library and this festive outreach have special meaning to Gaven. He gave his life to Christ after years of watching Billy Graham sermons online and got baptized in 2020. He feels compelled to give back because of the role the evangelist played in shaping his testimony. He and his wife are expecting their first child in the spring, and he’s looking forward to making Christmas at the Library a special trip for the family each year. 

While volunteering at the Library for the past two years, Gaven said he’s come to realize how many people have been impacted by Billy Graham’s ministry—and he’s thrilled to see his Gospel legacy continue at the holidays.

“You can see the impact that the nativity scene is having—just the amount of people that stopped and listened to the story in Luke chapter 2,” he said Friday night. “Even though it’s dark, you can see them smiling and making comments about how powerful it is to see [it] live.”

Christmas at the Library runs now through Dec. 23. Will you lift up all those who hear the Good News of great joy during their visit? Pray that many will find lasting hope and peace by surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ.

What You Need to Know

• The Billy Graham Library opens at 9:30 a.m. and is closed on Sundays.
• Christmas activities are Monday through Thursday, 5–9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5–10 p.m. Admission and parking are free, but reservations are required.
• Carriage rides: $12 for adults; $6 for children under 12. Reserve your tickets now.
• Bring your children to pet the animals in the live nativity Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Read more about the special activities offered through Dec. 23.