Unusual Nativity Scenes For Moravian Churches
Christmas “putzes” are among
the most distinctive features of
the holiday season in Bethlehem,
Pa. “Putz” in the dialect of the
16th Century Saxon meant to dec
orate — especially to decorate a
church. Arid Christmas in Bethle
hem, Pa., is largely a Moravian
Christmas.
During the week before Christ
mas and New Year’s Day, the
community Christmas Putz is open
to the public. It is built annually
by the Moravian Service Guild.
It is a miniature portrayal of the
Nativity in which scenes are
grouped under a single Christmas
tree or many trees with moss as
a base for landscaping.
The designer of the putz uses
treasured figures of wood or
papier-mache, tiny fences, gnarled
stumps, rocks carefully kept from
year to year, little trees and other
miniatures, so arranged that the
Holy Family, represented in a
cave or thatched stable, is always
the central subject.
Weeks are spent in preparation.
As early as October, the pour
ing of thousands of pure beeswax
candles is begun. The candlemak
ing itself is a hand process using
the same methods and types of
molds employed by early settlers.
The tiny candles, which are used
in Moravian churches and homes
throughout the nation, are sup
posed to symbolize the coming of
light into the world with the birth
of the Christ Child.
Only The Soul
Only the soul that has been
beaten by life’s harsh hand,
scarred by its battles and scourged
by its woe, toughened by its ne
glect and hardened by its aloof
ness reaches the nobility and ma
jesty that crown the good life.
Only those who breast life’s storms
and conquer them can come to a
true understanding and true wis
dom and achieve true greatness.
—Angelo Patri
One of the most popular festi
vals of Puerto Rico is Bethlehem
Day. It celebrates the coming of
the Magi, or wise men, on the
twelfth night.
CANDLEWAX STAINS
The holiday season is lighted by
candles in most households. This
poses the problem of wax stains
on Mom’s favorite table cloths.
Scrape the hardened wax from
the surface of the cloth with a
dull knife. Sponge the stain with
cleaning fluid, as you would any
grease spot. This is easier, says
the Department of Agriculture,
than laying the stained fabric on
a blotter and pressing it with a
warm iron.
If traces of color are left, they
usually can be removed by spong
ing with a cloth dipped in a mix
ture of 2 parts water to 1 part
rubbing alcohol.
If candlewax seems difficult to
remove from glass or metal
candleholders, run hot water over
the wax until it melts off. Then
wash the article with soap and
water, and polish.
It was long believed in Poland
that on Christmas night the heav
ens opened and the scene of Ja
cob’s ladder was re-enacted. Only
the saints, however, were per
mitted to see it.
1
M
J T_MLay this Christmas
prompt us all to cherish our bless- •
ings and to remember that this
day upon us is not only a holiday
... but also a Holy Day ... a con
firmation of His gift to us ... that
where Love is . . . there He will
be also.
I
E & B CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
AXEL EDMAN LESTER BRONSON
NORDIN CONSTRUCTION CO, Inc.
NELS NORDIN
Q CAB and COFFEE SHOP
Bob and Jo Cannon
let 311 the World ‘Rejoice
The King is born in Bethlehem and all the world rejoices!
May this Season of Peace be filled with joyous moments
for you ai i your family.
BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH