The Blessing of the Putz - Happy Valley Moravian

 

Five different kinds of moss collected, Labradorite, river sand & rocks (before the freeze), driftwood - was a congregation experience.  Then, working around a very talented model train landscape artist's varied job hours, the landscape got built, the electricians created spotlights, the northern lights were airbrushed, penlights on, frankinsence added, and the figurines were delicately put in place.  We stood there all amazed.  It is a beautiful, and quietly tells the story of Emmanuel, "God with Us."

“And Behold! Wisemen came from the East.”


Last Sunday we combined a Christmas sing-along with our Putz opening and all visitors were completely mesmerized. This was a tradition in Labrador from many years ago of the Hettasch family. Thanks be to God for the effort by many who came together to begin this new tradition alive again in Labrador.
The mountain landscape was created out of plaster and foam, there is a sandy road the wisemen are traveling on with their heavy-burdened camels, the shepherds are abiding in the fields when a host of heavenly angels descend, the wisemen are visiting King Herod’s castle tent in the desert, and the holy family is resting in a cave typical of that in Jerusalem. The landscape reflects the region of Labrador with its beautiful varieties of moss and rocks, yet the star of Bethlehem came from Germany, the figurines were hand-painted in Italy and donated from a home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
We all look forward to next year as a putz changes year to year. It is a wonderfully unique way of sharing the story of Jesus with the congregation and community, and has drawn many in the congregation together. Thanks be to God! May Christ rest upon your heart; shining His love to all the nations; bringing us hope! Please enjoy the pictures. 

 "And there were, in that country, shepherds abiding in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night.  And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone ‘round about them and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people!"





"The wise men came to Herod and said,  “Where is he who is born King of the Jews for we have seen his star and have come to worship him.”  When Herod the King heard the news, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.  And he called together his chief priests and scribes and asked of them where the child was to be born.  And they said:  “In Bethlehem of Judea for thus it is written by the prophets.”  And Herod said to the wise men;  “Go and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me news that I may come and worship him also.”  And the wise men went their way,"

"Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"