Three events in Jefferson City this weekend may draw Mid-Missouri's focus to the Christ child this December.
New this year is "Treasures from a Mother's Heart" at the Capital West Christian Church Event Center, 1315 Fairgrounds Road, 6-8:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Visitors in groups of about 50 will walk with Mary as she tells the life story of Jesus, her son, while dramatic vignettes portray Luke 2:19: "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
The approximately 45-minute tour will be indoors with live entertainment and refreshments for those who wait. Call (573) 634-8335 for more information.
A nearly 20-year tradition for many families and church groups is Journey to Bethlehem at Capital City Christian Church, 1512 Swifts Hwy.
The outdoor, walk-through experience takes visitors along a rugged path past recreations of what the path from Nazareth to Bethlehem may have been like for Mary and Joseph 2,000 years ago.
The event will be offered 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A free ticket, which must be acquired at the Capital Region Southwest Campus parking area, will be needed to enter this year.
And for more than 20 years, Concord Baptist Church, located at 3724 W. Truman Blvd., has offered The Festival of Light to the Mid-Missouri community. "The Gift of Christmas" will be performed by an all-volunteer drama team, chorus and orchestra.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as 3 p.m. Saturday.