‘Christmas at the Cross’ a Wesley-Glen tradition

If you’re dreaming of a “light’’ Christmas, you can follow the glow over the creek, through the woods, around the old granite quarry, up the hill and along the loop road at Wesley Glen Ministries.

“Christmas at the Cross” returns for its fourth year Friday, December 5, on the 55-acre campus at 4580 North Mumford Road in Macon. There is a live nativity scene, a four-story, five-ton illuminated cross, a towering Christmas tree, a lighted covered bridge and 1,200 luminaries lining the 1-mile road that circles the property.

“I’ve heard people say their kids love it,’’ said Vanda Asbell, Wesley Glen’s director of development. “It’s like the real Christmas to them, and they look forward to it. It’s a simple, beautiful and serene start to the season and a great way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.’’

Wesley Glen is a private, non-profit organization established in 1984 to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

It is an agency of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Wesley Glen currently serves 40 adults ages 22 to 70.  There are seven licensed group homes on the Mumford Road campus, four in North Macon and one in St. Mary’s along the South Georgia coast.

A new feature along the luminary route is a 20-foot Murray Cypress tree from Days of Creation, a family-owned and operated tree farm in Jesup that specializes in large holiday trees. It is located near the pavilion after crossing the covered bridge. 

Asbell said the nativity scene has been moved from the large chapel on the hill to the pavilion. Visitors can park their cars and walk to see the nativity. 

Residents (also referred to as “neighbors”) from the group homes are cast in the roles of Joseph, Mary, shepherds, angels and wise men. It features live animals. 

There is no admission charge.  Donations are accepted. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks will be provided.“It’s something to celebrate the season and invite people to our neighborhood to learn about Wesley Glen,’’ Asbell said. “Some of them have never been and are surprised when they see how beautiful it is.’’