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First Baptist Church plans holiday events featuring live nativity, concerts in Fort Walton Beach

First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach brings Christmas spirit to life with holiday concerts featuring TaRanda Greene and a week-long live nativity event in December.
The central nativity scene features costumed church members portraying Mary, Joseph, and the three wise men in a rustic wooden stable with live animals. Angels holding scrolls with scripture flank both sides of the display, while palm fronds frame the scene. (Contributed photo)

Community members can experience the holiday season through two festive events at First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, including concerts and the church’s 36th annual live nativity display.

The church will host Christmas concerts on Dec. 7 and 8 at 6 p.m., featuring guest artist TaRanda Greene alongside the church’s Worship Choir, Worship Band and Kids Praise Choir. 

  • Greene, who has established herself in both Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music, brings extensive experience to the performance. Her discography includes seven studio albums: “Each Day You Face” (2003), “A Thing Called Love” (2006), “In The Sanctuary” (2008), “Stronger” (2014), “Spirit of Christmas” (2015), “A Collection” (2017), and “The Healing” (2018).
(Contributed photo)
A camel in a wooden pen stands next to a large scroll displaying Matthew 2:9-12, which tells the story of the wise men following the star to Bethlehem. (Contributed photo)

From Dec. 13-20, the church will present its annual live nativity display nightly from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The outdoor event features live animals, costumed church members, live music, and refreshments including hot chocolate, coffee and cookies.

  • “This event is our church’s gift to the community each Christmas season, sharing what the true meaning of Christmas is, the birth of Jesus,” church officials said. The display draws thousands of visitors annually and involves approximately 100 church volunteers.

Both events will take place at First Baptist Church, located at 126 Harbeson Ave. in Fort Walton Beach. The Christmas concerts will be identical each night, giving community members two opportunities to attend.

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