Dear Houston’s First family,

There is something about Christmas that awakens the child in all of us. The lights. The music. The wonder of a gift waiting beneath the tree. And perhaps that is because Christmas has always been a story about a Gift.

This year, we invite you to step back with us into Christmas 1962 and the little town of Shepherdsville - a place where shopkeepers know your name, neighbors know your business, and two toy makers discover that some gifts aren’t wrapped beneath a tree.

The Story: TOYMAKER was born from a beautiful parallel found in the very first Christmas. Long ago, 2 kings stood on opposite sides of a manger. One was threatened by what it represented, the other willing to give everything for the people He loved. In Shepherdsville, echoes of that ancient story come to life in a fresh way, reminding us that the heart of Christmas has never really been about what we hold in our hands, but what God placed in a Manger.

This Christmas, you won't simply watch the story unfold; you will be Shepherdsville! You’ll be the audience in the Old Historic Shepherdsville Theater singing Christmas carols, the congregation shouting “amen" at First Baptist Shepherdsville, and counting down to The Annual Shepherdsville Christmas Tree Lighting with your neighbors and friends. As the music fills the air and the story comes to life, my prayer is that somewhere in the laughter, wonder, and unexpected moments, you see Christmas with fresh eyes.

Because before the lights, presents, and traditions, there was a manger. And in that manger was the greatest Gift the world has ever known. 

Thank you for spending Christmas with us. Welcome to Shepherdsville – and welcome to The Story: TOYMAKER.

Jeff Bumgardner
Writer and Producer of The Story: TOYMAKER
Executive Pastor

FEATURING

Kevin Massey

KEVIN MASSEY

Learn More About Kevin
Courtney Markowitz

COURTNEY MARKOWITZ

Learn More About Courtney

Four Presentations

Houston’s First Baptist Church invites you to experience The Story: TOYMAKER this Christmas at The Loop Campus with four presentations to choose from.

Fri, Dec 11 - 7:30p

Childcare is available for Birth-3 years old

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Sat, Dec 12 - 2:30p

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Sat, Dec 12 - 7:30p

Childcare is available for Birth–3 years old

Buy Tickets

Sun, Dec 13 - 6:30p

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TOYMAKER

CHILDREN'S BOOK

Keep the wonder of The Story: TOYMAKER alive long after the curtain closes with TOYMAKER, a beautifully illustrated children’s book adapted from The Story musical and written by Jeff Bumgardner & Marsha Taylor.

This timeless hardcover book is one families can read, share, and treasure for years to come. Filled with memorable characters, Christmas wonder, and enduring truth, TOYMAKER is a heartwarming story of community, forgiveness, friendship, generosity, and the transforming power of God’s love.

At its heart, TOYMAKER reminds children and families what Christmas is truly about: the greatest gift was never found beneath a Christmas tree. He came in a manger, and His name is Jesus.

A beautiful keepsake for your family and a meaningful gift for someone special, TOYMAKER invites readers of all ages to rediscover the joy, hope, and faith at the heart of Christmas. Preorder your copy and skip the lines at the merchandise tables while ensuring this treasured story is waiting for you when you head home.

Book is available for purchase
Hardcover $20
Pick up your copy before or after the performance

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A FESTIVE MORNING OF CHRISTMAS CHEER!

The Story Character Brunch

Sat, Dec 12 @ 11:30a — The Loop Campus (Fellowship Ctr)

The Story Character Brunch is a special holiday event designed for families to enjoy a morning of fun, food, and festive memories together!

Enjoy a hearty brunch buffet, festive photo opportunities with beloved Christmas characters, and a special meet and greet with Santa Claus. Children will also receive a meaningful holiday giveaway as a reminder of God’s love and the gift of Jesus’ birth. Come share in the warmth, wonder, and faith-filled joy of this blessed Christmas event.

Tickets are $22 for children (12 and under) and $35 for adults. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE STORY?

Tickets are required for admission to The Story and can be presented on a mobile device or printed out. If available, tickets can be purchased in the Main Lobby prior to each presentation.

The Story runs two hours and includes a 20-minute intermission. Worship Center doors open one hour before the presentation. We recommend arriving one hour prior to the presentation to allow plenty of time for parking, picture-taking, and to stop by CornerBooks.

Parking is available in the church’s West and South parking lots.

CHILDCARE

As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests register for childcare for children too young to sit quietly during The Story. If you choose to take your child to the presentation, all children ages 2 and older must have their own ticket. Children under the age of 2 do not need a ticket, but must sit in an adult’s lap.

Childcare is available during the 7:30p presentations on Friday and Saturday. Childcare opens one hour prior to the presentation and is provided by paid and certified employees of Houston’s First.

Childcare is $20 per child. Registration can be made at the time of ticket purchase or in a separate transaction. Please have the child’s birth date available when registering. Registration closes at 11:59p on Mon, Nov 30.

Register Here

Four Presentations
Dec 11-13

Get Tickets

Houston’s First Baptist Church
The Loop Campus
7401 Katy Fwy
Houston, TX 77024

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The Seed Company

This Christmas, you can help bring the Word of God to an unreached people group! Through our partnership with The Seed Company, your support will make it possible to translate the book of Matthew into their heart language. Celebrate the birth of our Savior and join us in sharing His hope and love. Text MATTHEW to 44322 to give today!

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