THE CROSSING WEEKLY

This past weekend, The Crossing Life Church put on its 8^th – and biggest – Annual Christmas at the Crossing event, bringing warmth and joy to all who came.

With many things available for young, old, and everyone in-between, the traditional wagon ride kicked off everyone’s night, bringing into focus the immense amount of land available to highlight the gospel story. Spanning the Crossing Life hills, our guests saw familiar Christmas favorites, ending with a live manger scene and the true meaning of Christmas.

To warm their fingers and toes, guests then entered our brand new this year “Christmas Market” beneath the big (and heated) tent, where local vendors from the area came to share in their crafts, talents, and giftings.

The market was an incredible opportunity for people like Erin Guzman of Cardinal Creations, Judy Mosonyi of Blackbird Gluten Free Bakery, Meredith of Sultan Spices, and Jeffery Fitzsimons of Fitzsimons Custom Woodwrx. We also had special appearances from Dreamers’ Ranch with beef and meat sales, Prancing Pony serving local beer and wine, Linda Proctor from the bingo community sharing her beautiful tapestry pillows and other crafts, and the Crossing Life kitchen crew serving hot chili, chowder, and even hot dogs to roast on the bonfires, keeping everyone warm.

Preparation for many days beforehand is what made these nights shine a little extra with twinkling lights and music. Marie Petty led the charge while Stephanie Foster, Evelyn Madden, and Lindsey Messina also worked their magic, making everything merry and bright. The thoughtful details of painted candy canes, wreaths and bows, lights, and a 24-foot-tall tree all made for a festive show of God’s glory on display in the tent He gave us this year!

Christmas tidings filled the air through the talents of Bekah Chenel and Sarah Beliveau, Daniel Farias and Christiana Giuliano, Wes Shattuck, Dave Matte, and fun kid music by Crystal Armstrong. Monique Ciccarone oversaw the Kid’s Corner with face painting, crafts, games, and holiday movies.

Our very own Cherie Chenel, Jen Quinlan, and Gloria Michelson oversaw the bake sale where so many individuals contributed their baking talents. Santa and Mrs. Claus even visited the festivities from the North Pole taking pictures beneath our giant Christmas tree.

Blown away by the multitude of things that we had available for people to partake of – many commented in awe on the things we have done with the land given to us by God so many years ago. This is not only a testament that people are noticing God’s hand, but also the ginormous light of His glory on display through our people, down to the very last detail.

A solid and deep reminder of what Christmas is all about, this year’s event was an exemplification of the promises of God on display, an invitation for people to recognize what He is doing here, and a reminder in the hope of all that is coming as we continue to steward the land, giftings, and talents that He has given us.