Pastor Kermit Hudson and the congregation of Hattiesburg First Church of the Nazarene invite all to share the Holidays with them this year in a unique and festive way.

Trees of Christmas promises to be bigger than ever with 50+ theme-decorated trees. Nothing else in South Mississippi will get you in the mood for Christmas quite the way Trees of Christmas will. It has truly become a much anticipated event by the population of not only Hattiesburg, but also the surrounding communities. Many families have indeed made it a part of their annual Christmas tradition.

Each year, the trees go through changes in appearances and several new trees appear as well, making it a new and exciting event to experience every Christmas season. It is definitely a must see attraction for the Holiday Season and well worth any distance one may travel to visit.

You wander — at your own pace — through the five areas within the church that have been filled to the brim with over 50+ theme-decorated Christmas trees. As you stroll, you may enjoy sipping spiced cider, hot chocolate or coffee as you snack upon homemade cookies that are provided for your enjoyment.

Inside the sanctuary, every hour on the hour, local entertainers provide the sounds of Christmas. Past years have provided handbell choirs, showchoirs, guitar ensembles and organ concerts.

Also provided is the Storybook Room for children, as well as, the child in all of us. You may want to come and just simply enjoy the smells and sounds — the feel — of Christmas and let it remind you of the reason we all join in the celebration of our Saviour’s birth.

On Friday, Dec. 8 from 6-9:30 p.m. and both Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10 from 2-9:30 p.m., Trees of Christmas is First Church of the Nazarene’s gift to you!

Due to the growing popularity of this Christmas event, we do have two additional viewing days for large groups to use for touring the trees. Group tours are by appointment only, so don’t delay in calling and booking your group a time to view the trees on either Monday or Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 12. Call the church office at 601-268-0112 to book your group in advance.

Admission to Trees of Christmas is Free, but a Community Canned Food Tree is underway, and donations of canned food items would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to help build this Canned Food Tree, please bring one canned food item with you and find the joy in the giving to others as you add to this unique tree. The items are given to Christian Services for community use throughout the year.

The pathways are handicapped accessible and it is an indoor event — so weather is not a factor. Plenty of parking is available, with parking attendants to guide eventgoers.

Dress is casual, so bring your friends and neighbors and make Trees of Christmas a traditional event on your Christmas rounds, or stop by before or after your day of shopping or attending other Christmas events. Gather the entire family and get everyone in the Christmas Spirit with a fun, relaxing event created especially for you to enjoy during this season of giving.

First Church of the Nazarene is located at 3501 Broadway Drive (across from Pine Grove Recovery Center) in Hattiesburg.

Visit our website at www.treesofChristmas.com for more news and information, and for a listing of entertainment and guest readers.