This will

be Phillips' fifth year in the role of Jesus. He states that playing the

part of Jesus in his own church is "both humbling and thrilling."

He adds that the most overwhelming thing about playing Jesus is "the

brutal reality of the cross."

"Even

though we are faking it, the harshness of the cross comes through,"

he said. "The cross leaves marks and it gives splinters, which I

find for weeks after the play. Even though I am hanging from my arms against

the ropes on the cross only slightly, I have often found my fingers numb

for days after the program."

Phillips states,

"That's not complaining. It's just that the reality of the cross

is no casual thing. Jesus didn't just come down off the cross and hug

everybody saying 'Good job!' He had to go through the grave and we thank

the Lord for it!"

During the

program, childcare is available for children ages birth through 5 years.

Christ's Church

at Whitewater is on Ga. Hwy. 85 South, 4.5 miles south of the Fayette

County Courthouse. For more information or for group reservations, call

the church office, 770-461-1487.

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