Unusual Christmas Gift Idea: Unwrap in July

One of our staff members came up with a unique Christmas gift idea. He posed the question to me: “What do you get that ‘hard-to-buy-for’ person this Christmas? They may have all the tools, gadgets, toys you can think of. They don’t need another sweater or tie—they probably haven’t even worn the one you gave them last year! (Don’t even mention fruit cakes.)”

His suggestion: why not consider a gift that people will actually benefit from, one that will not only have a lasting impact on the one who receives it (even longer than the life of the average fruit cake!), but will continue to keep on giving? Well, consider a Creation College 3 gift registration. Equip them to stand for truth and learn how to train others as well – it’s happening this summer right here in the Cincinnati area (and registration includes free admission to the Creation Museum, about 15 minutes away).

It’s a perfect gift for anyone who wants to make an eternal impact in a world that’s desperately looking for answers. There will be general sessions (ages 13 and up) as well as in-depth presentations.

Yes, it’s an unusual Christmas (or maybe birthday) gift to consider, but try doing some “shopping” at (Save 30% now off regular tuition for this special “college” with “early-bird” special rates!): http://creationcollege3.com

I hope to see you here in July for this great national conference.

First-century Bethlehem Brought to Life for Creation Museum Christmas

Last night marked the kick-off of “Bethlehem’s Blessings” at the Creation Museum, a free live nativity and spectacular outdoor light display, along with the “Road to Bethlehem” replica of a first-century Jewish village complete with shopkeepers and Roman soldiers.

Here are excerpts of a news release we sent to the media yesterday about this special event:

“We are so excited about this amazing presentation our designers have put together” said Mark Looy, CCO for the museum and its parent ministry Answers in Genesis. “People wonder what the creation account of Genesis has to do with Christmas, and we believe that the story reveals Christ’s purpose in coming, as the sacrificial Lamb of God. His coming to earth was actually prophesied in Genesis chapter 3. So we get excited about Christmas and the opportunity it gives us to present even more of the whole gospel of Christ, which is truly the museum’s focus.”

The centerpiece of the museum’s “Bethlehem’s Blessings” presentation is a live outdoor nativity scene, featuring human actors in each of the Christmas story roles, and, of course sheep, donkeys, and camels—animals typically associated with the birth of the Christ child—courtesy of the museum’s own petting zoo. Museum staff and volunteers will alternate as Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and caravan traders. A special lighted trail, “The Road to Bethlehem,” will feature a glimpse of the first Christmas in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.

Because the live nativity is an outdoor exhibit (open 2 p.m. – close, Dec. 12 – Jan. 4, except Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day), guests can experience “Bethlehem’s Blessings” for free and not pay admission to visit the museum building. Visitors to the museum grounds will also enjoy hayrides, dazzling seasonal lights and decorations, holiday food, and fun events and activities for children.

As a Christmas gift to the community and to remind everyone of the wonderful free gift of salvation through Christ, the entire museum will be open to the public for free on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The “Bethlehem’s Blessings” festivities began Dec. 12 and run through Jan. 4. The live nativity will run from 2 p.m. until close (except on the 24th and 25th) and the seasonal light displays will begin at dusk each day. The schedule for the Christmas events is as follows:

Dec. 13 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.; Road to Bethlehem 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 14-18 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.

Dec. 19-20 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.; Road to Bethlehem 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 21 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.

Dec. 22-23 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.; Road to Bethlehem 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 24 Museum open free to public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; No Live Nativity

Dec. 25 Closed for Christmas Day

Dec. 26-27 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.; Road to Bethlehem 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 28-30 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.

Dec. 31 Live Nativity 2-4 p.m.; Road to Bethlehem 4-6 p.m.

Jan. 1 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.

Jan. 2-3 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.; Road to Bethlehem 6-8 p.m.

Jan. 4 Live Nativity 2-6 p.m.

Visitors from throughout the region may be especially curious about the museum this season, due to the recent controversy involving the nearby Cincinnati Zoo, which pulled out of a promotional agreement with the museum due to complaints from evolutionists about the zoo partnering with a creationist organization. The museum was disappointed but agreed to honor the discount promised through the agreement for visitors to the museum up until Dec. 11.

The Creation Museum, located near the Cincinnati Airport, is a ministry of Answers in Genesis, a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to confirming the validity of the Bible from the very first verse.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying

Ken