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Photos by Vicki L. George
Photos by Chris Darus
December 20, 2021
Bethlehem in Lakehills
By Vicki L. George
The Bandera Prophet
The Hill Country Samaritans put on a walk-through event, Bethlehem Under the Stars, on the grounds of Lakehills Community Center on Dec. 17 and 18, beginning at dark. Visitors walked through the little town of Bethlehem the night Jesus was born.
Many volunteers, dressed in period costumes, mingled with the crowds. When entering the “town,” visitors were greeted with a hearty “Shalom” and given a few coins, with which to pay their taxes, thereby “rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”
Approaching the “tax office,” visitors were met by two Roman Centurions, who made sure the tax was paid and a receipt given.
One could then browse the many shops along the way through “town.” There was a wood shop, a pottery shop, a market, a textile shop, and more. Two camels were relaxing under a tree and several goats wandered around loose. A beggar asked for alms and a musician strummed his lyre.
The “inn-keeper” told everyone who asked that the inn was full, no more room was available.
The synagogue entrance revealed a Torah teacher in discussion with a Rabbi.
And then one could approach the stable and see young Mary and Joseph watching over tiny baby Jesus, while the song, “Mary, Did You Know” played softly in the background.
The event was beautifully done and very meaningful.
Brought to Lakehills by Church on the Hill, Gateway Fellowship Church, Hill Country Samaritans, Lakehills Baptist Church, Lakehills Community Center, Lakehills United Methodist Church, Movieland Animals, Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, Pipe Creek Christians School, Texas Fresh Harvest Farms and many volunteers from Lakehills, Pipe Creek, Mico, Bandera and surrounding communities, the event is held every year and always free to the public.
To learn more about Hill Country Samaritans, a 501c3 nonprofit, and all the services they offer to our community, go to their website at HillCountrySamaritans.org.
Many volunteers, dressed in period costumes, mingled with the crowds. When entering the “town,” visitors were greeted with a hearty “Shalom” and given a few coins, with which to pay their taxes, thereby “rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”
Approaching the “tax office,” visitors were met by two Roman Centurions, who made sure the tax was paid and a receipt given.
One could then browse the many shops along the way through “town.” There was a wood shop, a pottery shop, a market, a textile shop, and more. Two camels were relaxing under a tree and several goats wandered around loose. A beggar asked for alms and a musician strummed his lyre.
The “inn-keeper” told everyone who asked that the inn was full, no more room was available.
The synagogue entrance revealed a Torah teacher in discussion with a Rabbi.
And then one could approach the stable and see young Mary and Joseph watching over tiny baby Jesus, while the song, “Mary, Did You Know” played softly in the background.
The event was beautifully done and very meaningful.
Brought to Lakehills by Church on the Hill, Gateway Fellowship Church, Hill Country Samaritans, Lakehills Baptist Church, Lakehills Community Center, Lakehills United Methodist Church, Movieland Animals, Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, Pipe Creek Christians School, Texas Fresh Harvest Farms and many volunteers from Lakehills, Pipe Creek, Mico, Bandera and surrounding communities, the event is held every year and always free to the public.
To learn more about Hill Country Samaritans, a 501c3 nonprofit, and all the services they offer to our community, go to their website at HillCountrySamaritans.org.