How excited do you think I was to round the corner of the historic Burnet, TX town square and see these larger life sculptures of our state flower? (How perfect for sharing some bluebonnet inspiration this month on the blog!) Here is Jonathan standing in front of them.
If you live in Central Texas, I highly recommend planning a trip to Burnet next year for their Christmas festival and Main Street Bethlehem event. First Baptist Church in Burnet hosts not only a living nativity but has built a replica of Bethlehem ( has been going on for almost 20 years this is a permanent addition) with hundreds of costumed adults, children and animals inside creating the night of Jesus' birth in amazing detail! I have been wanting to go since I heard about it a few years ago, but this was the first time we were able to make it, they only have it the first two weekend in December. It was like being on the set of the movie , with the 1st century architecture I don't think you could experience anything like. the town is complete with a tavern, inn, jail, homes, carpenter, leather, rope making shops, weavers, a market, churner, temple etc. Passing by the holy family at the end, the one quiet place in the busy town, gave me a serious lump in my throat, it was VERY moving. Cameras were not allowed to keep the experience as authentic as possible. There are a few photos on the website but they do NOT do it justice as it doesn't start until 6, so the town is completely dark expect for candlelight and torches outside the buildings. The people interacted with one another but would speak to you if you asked questions, staying in character.
Having said all that, it IS over until next year, but I think your family would love it, mark your calendars to put this on your holiday traditions list if you can! The second Saturday of the month they have a large arts and crafts festival with food, kids activities and a parade which is fun thing to do before going to Bethlehem! Just this season, I noticed several other small towns around Austin trying to follow their example and recreate a main street Bethlehem experience, but I don't think you will find anything quite like this!
Do you have something like this where you live? I would love to hear about it!
These sculptures are beautiful! :) I guess that's the best way to have flowers during a drought.
ReplyDeleteShala
Breathtaking, Melanie! It all sounds like a spectacular event. Would love to experience this one day! Thanks so much for sharing and God bless all those who are keeping the Christmas light bright all over the world.
ReplyDeleteHi I hope you had a blessed Christmas and I pray that 2012 will be a peaceful healthy year.
ReplyDeleteI wanted you to know that we have...' Bethlehem walk.' It is the 19th anniversary of this live event. Just google and type in Bethlehem walk Parksville. and you will see a short video. Parksville is on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada (West Coast) You will enjoy this.
Thanks for sharing..
Claudia