By Dee Eisenhauer
Special contributor
Once again, the Christmas season is upon us and as we prepare for this special occasion we sometimes lose sight of what the true spirit of Christmas really is.
Three years ago I took time out from my hectic schedule to spend a Sunday afternoon watching an enactment on the birth of Christ take place in the Hartwell’s barn on Route 237 in Gorham. This year, the uniquely moving event starts at 3 p.m. on Dec. 18.
Last year, as I sat beside others on bales of hay hearing the sounds of animals and smelling the barn scents, I was humbled. A bright star shone down from above on a manger in the hay while Mary and Joseph prepared for the birth of their son. Gabriel, angels, Herod, wise men and shepherds participated and narrated this wondrous event.
Everyone sang Christmas carols and afterward, over hot apple cider and dessert, discussed their experiences of what had taken place. A number of people return annually to watch this special event since it began about ten years ago.
I have joined the returning group year after year to see Christmas in the Barn and am still humbled and awe-struck at this generous gift God sent to us over 2,000 years ago, to save us, when He gave His only begotten son to each and every one of us with love.
For more information on the Dec. 18 event, call Faith Lutheran Church (892-9158) on Wednesdays or Sundays.
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