As the holiday season draws near, First Baptist Church of Augusta becomes a focal point of festive warmth and sacred tradition in the CSRA. Each December, the church hosts its beloved annual Christmas concert, Christmas at First, transforming the main sanctuary into a glowing hall of music, visual delight, and community worship.
“In Augusta, there are plenty of musical performances throughout the city around Christmas time,” says Minister of Music Ryan Heritage. “We focus on telling the complete story of the birth of Christ using all four gospels and do it in an interactive way that engages people with lights, music, and storytelling. We use the gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to tell the story of the birth of Christ colloquially while at the same time sharing it visually with laser projection that is similar to what you would see at Stone Mountain.”
The sixty-person adult choir, which is accompanied by a forty-piece orchestra, performs music tailored to the specific scripture passage being highlighted. “For example, when we get to the point of Mary and Joseph in the city of Bethlehem, the song we are singing may be ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem,’” explains Ryan. “And even though our guests are hearing the words of the songs, they are really focusing on what is happening visually. So, we consider it to be a fully immersive experience.”
Beyond the artistry, the Christmas performance serves as an intentional free gift to the community. It offers a peaceful pause from the holiday rush, inviting neighbors, families, and visitors to reconnect with the core story of hope found in Christ and the joy surrounding the nativity. Whether attending for the sacred worship experience or simply to enjoy live holiday music, audience members are treated to an evening that captures the true spirit of the season.
Plan to attend Christmas at First on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 6:00pm at First Baptist Church of Augusta located at 3500 Walton Way Extension in Augusta. This child and family friendly event is free and open to the public. Childcare is offered for children 3 years old and younger. For more information, visit discoverfbc.org or call 706-733-2236. Also follow First Baptist Church of Augusta on Facebook and Instagram.