Find the Christmas Spirit In Downtown Columbus

From the United Methodist Church: Those meandering downtown with visions of sugarplums might also get a glimpse of the true meaning of Christmas – and it comes with free hot cocoa.

An easy-to-find, bedecked tour truck will be the centerpiece of “The True Meaning of Christmas Tour” festivities from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 between the state house and Columbus Commons, East State at South Third streets.

The truck is hitting the road in 16 states this year as The United Methodist Church invites 21 communities to unwrap the true meaning of Christmas. Short North Church, Central City Church, Broad St. UMC and Christ UMC will host the come-and-go event. The whole community is invited.

Giving back to the community is part of the package. There will be a collection of baby diapers and baby wipes that will benefit those in need in the Columbus community. Columbus experiences one of the highest infant mortality rates in all of Franklin County, and Columbus is the highest in the State and Ohio is the one of the worst in the nation. Several of the churches are a part of initiatives to reduce infant mortality.

“We want to offer our community a different type of gift: an opportunity to celebrate what Christmas is all about by engaging in service with neighbors, boosting joy and building relationships with others,” said the Rev. Linda Middleberg, superintendent of the Capitol Area North District. “We are also extending an invitation to attend a place of worship or become part of a faith community.”

A survey conducted by Pew Research Center in 2013 indicated that the activities that people least liked at Christmas time are the commercialism/materialism, money/expense, and shopping/crowds. What they most look forward to is spending time with family and friends (69%) and religious reflection/church (11%).

“This tour is a unique way for the church to reach out to people who are experiencing loneliness or who want to give back to the community at this significant time of year,” said Dan Krause, chief executive of United Methodist Communications, which is coordinating the month-long expedition. “More than 500 volunteers from local United Methodist churches are partnering with us to make this a multi-state effort.”

The True Meaning of Christmas tour will stop in 21 cities, Dec. 2 through Dec. 24. Follow the tour online at UnwrapChristmas.org and #UnwrapChristmas.

Image via the United Methodist Church