Experiencing Bethlehem through the eyes of KeystoneNancy Stuck
Times Correspondent
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
If you were amongst the many that walked through the “town of Bethlehem” at St. John’s Lutheran church in Keystone recently, you were very fortunate to have experienced this event.
As you entered the town you were greeted by the tax collector. He declared that “all the world should be taxed, according to the Emperor of Rome, Caesar Augustus.” As you traveled on down the candlelit walkway, you were met by citizens of the town and market vendors carrying baskets with loaves of bread. As you approached the Inn, you heard the Innkeeper proclaiming “the Inn is full, there is no room here”. You could witness the shepherd child playing her flute to calm the mood and the fisherman making his fishing lines out of rope. There were street vendors selling off chickens and ware, there were shepherd’s out in the field gathered around a fire, watching as their sheep grazed near by. And then, there was the most glorious site of all, the manger. Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus gathered together in the stable.
For Christ is born of Mary,
and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep,
the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
and peace to men on earth.
I found myself standing there in awe, surrounded by stable animals and envisioning how it must have been for them.
There were additional sights to experience inside the church building as well. As you entered through the doors, you came in the presence of a shocking pure and white sight, the Angel. She was there to proclaim the wonderful news of the birth of Jesus. Proceeding on into the next room, this is where the tax collector’s area was, filled with coins and riches. Passing on through, you heard the sounds of water coming from falls and soft soothing music. The final room was decorated as a market place and it was in this room that you could purchase some of the finest homemade cookies and candies that this writer has ever had. Those responsible for all the divine treats really out did themselves.
There was still more to the event. Some local homes held open-houses for those wishing to stop by and admire the decorations and enjoy some fellowship.
For this writer, I know that this was the best history lesson that I could ever have. It truly was a memorable occasion; one I hope will be repeated year after year. Attending this event would be a wonderful tradition to have and to celebrate with family and friends.
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him,
still the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel.
