Photo: Bethlehem Star Lighting
Bethlehem, NC – The 47th annual Bethlehem Star Lighting is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023, beginning at 6:45 p.m. at the stage near the Pavilion on the west side of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church. The first segment of the Star Lighting will highlight performances of the Alexander Central Jazz Band and a selection of Christmas music by the Alexander Central High School Madrigal Choir.
Following this segment of the night’s activities, attendees will be invited to move to the area under the Bethlehem Star. Members of Bethlehem Baptist Church will lead the program. Pastor Dean Chambers will read from the scripture about the Bethlehem Star. The program under the Bethlehem Star will include music by the Bethlehem Baptist Choir led by David Vannoy. The lighting of the Star by Pastor David Ross, a rendition of “O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” by the choir after the star lighting, Christmas carols, and an ending prayer by Matt Austin, Director of Student Ministries at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Other activities in this area will include a live nativity scene under the star manned by adults and children from Bethlehem Baptist Church. Live animals will also be provided. Boy Scout Troop 275 will serve hot chocolate and cookies. They will also light bonfires (weather-permitting) in the area near the Star.
The Bethlehem Fire Department, Junior Firemen, Alexander County Sheriff’s Department, and Law Enforcement Explorers will assist with traffic control and parking. Special parking for handicapped visitors will be coordinated by Law Enforcement Explorers. No craft fair will be operated this year.
The 2023 edition of Bethlehem Star carved wooden and engraved Christmas ornaments are available at the Mt. Pisgah Church office for a minimum donation of $25.00. Proceeds will be used to fund the operation of the Star, paid entertainment, and support community youth groups performing and assisting during the Star Lighting night.
Warren Hollar, Star Committee chairs said the community looks forward to lighting the star on December 2. Driving North in the dark on NC Highway 127 and seeing the shining Bethlehem Star provides a feeling of light and love that impact one’s spirit and hope.
Bethlehem Christmas Drive-Thru – December 8-10
For the 22nd year, the Bethlehem Christmas Drive Thru is set for the weekend of December 8-10 from 6:30-9:00 on the campus of Fellowship Advent Christian Church in the Bethlehem Community. Located on Fellowship Church Road in Taylorsville, approximately 40 scenes will be staffed by at least 60 volunteers from several churches in Bethlehem. During several years, over 2,000 people have attended the event.
Visitors will begin their journey in the Old Testament with Isaiah’s prophecy, scenes from Herod’s Temple, Mary and Martha, a census booth, a biblical village with replicas of a blacksmith shop and bakery, a live Nativity scene, and scenes after the birth. The whole experience is lit by bon fires(weather permitting) throughout the pageant.
Visitors are provided access to period costumes and allowed to walk through the scenes. Visitors may also drive their vehicles along the vehicle path to view the various scenes. An FM transmitter has been used to allow visitors to hear a special narration of their radios as they move through the various scenes. The program is just another example of the churches of Bethlehem pulling together to provide a special gift to visitors this Christmas season.
Bethlehem Stamp for Christmas Cards
The Bethlehem Post office allows customers to use the Bethlehem, NC stamp to imprint the back of their Christmas cards and other mailings. The post office is located behind the Starbucks at the second stop light after crossing the Highway 127 bridge.
Public Library Christmas Events
The Bethlehem Branch Library Christmas Social on Thursday, Dec. 7th 5:30-6:30pm, and the Main Library Christmas Tea on Thursday, Dec. 14th from 5:15 to 6:30pm. Both events feature live music and refreshments. Santa will be visiting the Main Library on Monday, Dec. 11th from 5:30-6:30pm, and he’ll be at the Bethlehem Branch on Monday, Dec. 18th at 10:30am.
