Going to see Awaited is one of my family’s most beloved Christmas traditions. We’ve been going and bringing friends to see it since the very first one in 2007. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years! Awaited is breathtaking and amazing and it’s also Cincinnati’s highest attended Christmas production!
If you live around Cincinnati then you’ve probably heard of Crossroads. It’s big. It’s the number one growing church in the entire country and one of the top nine largest churches in America. They currently span 13 campuses in Ohio and Kentucky, plus Crossroads Anywhere meeting in homes and coffeeshops all over the country.
I absolutely love my church. I’ve been attending Crossroads for more than 16 years. Since the very beginning of Crossroads, over 20 years ago, they’ve always been obsessive includers and generous givers. They’re passionate about the opportunity to share God’s truths with friends and neighbors in fresh, fun and new ways.
Crossroads strives to change our community and change our world. Helping those in need is a core part of who Crossroads is. They do this all year in countless ways, from Go Cincinnati to the Thanksgiving Food Drive. From Go Trips all over the world to having hot coffee, couches and wifi all week for community in the atriums. Even the coffee they source, helps people from around the world and here in our own city. Seriously. Even the coffee! The coffee story makes me smile.
But, Awaited. It’s a big one, with over 130,000 total guests. It’s the classic Christmas story, told in a new, creative and immersive way. It’s an original production about our need for a Savior with a mostly local, mostly volunteer, 450 person cast and crew.
Bands; adult and children’s choirs; professional dancers, acrobats and gymnasts; amazing costumes; over-the-top sets; contemporary, ballet, jazz, modern, and African dances; snow falling from the ceiling; and a perfect score of music!
I mean, it’s simply spectacular!
My favorite dance, The Garden, is near the beginning. It’s colorful and fun, with so much energy. It shows Adam and Eve and creation. You feel how God intended his Creation to be and how it was supposed to work together. Before sin. And why we need a Savior. It sets up the whole show and the whole point of the show perfectly.
This is the very last year for Awaited and we’re going to miss it so much. It takes a lot of resources to put on this massive production and Crossroads wants allocate funds differently to reach more people in more places other than just Cincy.
I am very thankful that our family got to be a part of it for so many years, and I completely understand why moving on to different avenues will be able to bless more people. But, we’re still going to miss it.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to see this show, you still have time! I encourage you to make it work this year! It really is a must see. It’s a Christmas show like you’ve never seen before.
There are 30 FREE, ticketed shows that happen in the Crossroads Oakley auditorium between Dec. 1 and Dec. 23. And 17 FREE, ticketed shows at the Crossroads Mason auditorium between Dec. 15 and Dec. 23, 2017.
(And if all the FREE tickets are gone- you still can go and try for standby. Lots of people have good luck that way, you just might not sit together.)
Each performance lasts about an hour and a half. Get there up to an hour early to enjoy free hot chocolate, amazing Carabello coffee, delicious Busken cookies, DIY photo opps and a beautiful space to meet up with your friends and family.
Most kids love it! Mine absolutely have since they were toddlers. There are lots of songs that kids just love! And there are even children in the performance.
But the show does include loud sounds, flashing lights and large images, so if you have a sensitive child please be away that there is no childcare during Awaited.
I am totally obsessed with the camel. It is the greatest camel costume ever! Look at this guy! He’s a favorite of all the kids and adults alike. I just want to give him a big hug.
If you live out of town or if you really just can’t get to a live performance of the show this year….don’t despair…. you can still see it! Because this year you can stream a broadcast quality version of the entire show on awaitedshow.com starting Dec 21 through Dec 23! That is so amazing for all of the Crossroads Anywhere attenders. I just love that.
And if you live in Cincinnati you can watch the entire show on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on our local channels!!
Get more about these details at awaitedshow.com.
If you’re curious about Crossroads, and want way more information about what we believe and stand for…check it out here. I hope you come for a visit. Many people are unsure about a mega-church. But, this place is teaching biblical truths and changing lives in huge ways, including mine. Give it a try. 🙂
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