Hill Country Samaritans brings Bethlehem to Bandera

On a chilly night, under a full moon, a collaboration of area churches, school, and community members came together in Lakehills to re-enact that fateful night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. The large group was composed of wisemen, merchants, common women, children, soldiers, shepherds, beggars, and artisans in period costume. They all came together to tell the story of the birth of Christ.

The free event was arranged in stations on the grounds of the Lakehills Community Center. The three Wise Men, Ryan Fenocchi, Nick Manfred and Tom Cook; offered guests marshmallows to roast on the fire and hot chocolate mix. Megan Chanza of Bandera remarked, “This is my first time to attend. All of the people are so friendly, and the night is peaceful, I love it.”

To the side of the Wise Men, Movieland Animals provided camels for parents and children to pet. All the adults were amazed at the docile, patient creatures. The children cautiously crept closer to feel the camels’ soft fur as big animals slowly chewed their cud. Tammy Evans with daughter Molly and friend Sterling Clark said “I love it. This is my first time coming to this event.”

Next visitors were directed through the gates to “Bethlehem” where coins were provided to pay the tax required of all Israelites as they returned home to their ancestral towns.

Inside Bethlehem were a group of stations composed of a woodworker, stoneworker, and potter. Tex Simmons, the woodworker, worked diligently on a project while Ralph Carrasco, the stoneworker, chipped away at a tablet destined to hold the text of the Ten Commandments. A group of children gathered around the potter to make Christmas ornaments out of clay.

Judi Chesshir, who portrayed a Bethlehem citizen, said “It’s important that the kids learn the true meaning of Christmas.” Chesshir, a retired Hill Country Elementary teacher, and Melissa Morris, a church youth leader, helped the children with their clay ornaments. Each of the stations had various free mementos of the night available for participants to keep.

Risé and Sam Martin of Lakehills Methodist Church had baskets of nuts and dried fruits that would have been available in the marketplace in Bethlehem. They eagerly handed out treats to all passersby.

At the synagogue, Cecelia Gipson from Pipe Creek Christian School, gave away bookmarks and small mementos. Wandering goats and sheep were overseen by Linda Williams who portrayed a shepherdess. Williams dramatically told the story of seeing angels singing while she watched over her flocks.

The replica of the manger in which Christ was born contained the Klaassen family portraying Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Jaslyn and brother Troy sat quietly on a bale of hay as baby Avelyn slept in a wooden crib in front. A small donkey was picketed nearby to add to the authenticity of the scene.

As guests finished with the displays, they were invited to sample hot chocolate and look over their treasures.

The Hill Country Samaritans organized and sponsored the event. Over 250 people attended the single night of the re-enactment in 2020, and so it was extended to two nights in 2021. The crowd on Saturday night was lively and with the attendance from Friday night, over 400 people attended the event.

The Hill Country Samaritans would like to thank the following groups who participated in the event: Church on the Hill, Gateway Fellowship Church, Lakehills Baptist Church, Lakehills Community Center, Lakehills United Methodist Church, Movieland Animals, Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, Pipe Creek Christian School, and Texas Fresh Harvest Farms. Volunteers from Lakehills, Pipe Creek, Medina, Mico, Bandera and the surrounding communities are also gratefully thanked.

For more information on the Hill Country Samaritans, follow them on Facebook or go to their website at HillCountrySamaritans. org.