Choir Notes

The Little Town of Bethlehem
From Music and the Spoken Word
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell . Program 4133

During this busy time of year, we may find ourselves searching for the stillness of the first Christmas night. In search of that precious gift so silently given, we take small sincere steps that can lead to a place of peace. With yearning hearts we travel to the little town of Bethlehem.

Our family felt so removed form Bethlehem's peace that they decided to start a new family tradition: During the first week of December they mad a cardboard manger for their living room, and next to the manger they placed a container of straw. Each time one of the children was especially kind or helpful, the family put a piece of straw in the manger. Whenever anyone unselfishly did something for someone else, they put another piece of straw in the manger. Before long, straw filled the manger, But even better than that, peace filled their home. Bethlehem's promise did not seem so far away.

On Christmas Eve, the family turned down all the lights, except for one hand-held lantern, and gathered in a bedroom. By the light of their lantern, they "traveled" to their homemade manger in the living room, where, in the quiet of the night, they sang carols and expressed their love. Bathed in the warmth of that peaceful moment, the children went calmly and quietly to bed.1

By inviting greater kindness and love into their home, this family found their way to Bethlehem's peace. The hustle and bustle of the season could not overwhelm the sweet stillness of the heavenly invitation to that little family - and to all mankind: Oh. come. all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! Oh, come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem. 2

1 See Sue Jones, "Straw for the Manger," Ensign, Dec. 2005, 56-57.
2 Oh. Come. All Ye Faithful. Hymns. no. 202.