Published December 28. 2021 10:48PM
Bethlehem’s neighborhoods were aglow with welcoming light during the 24th annual Luminaria Night Dec. 19. Luminaria Night took place during the holiday season as a way to light up neighborhoods with lit candles in bags to enhance holiday cheer and to raise money for charity through the event’s organizer, New Bethany Ministries. This year’s event included over 4,000 homes and businesses and over 80,000 luminaries around the Lehigh Valley. In addition, this year’s sale of luminaria kits has raised a record breaking $139,000. New Bethany Ministries utilizes the money raised to provide meals, financial services and housing to poor, hungry, homeless and mentally ill individuals and families in the Lehigh Valley.
Luminarias line the steps of the Central Moravian Church in downtown Bethlehem. This historic structure was built from 1803 and completed in 1806.
PRESS PHOTOS BY MARK KIRLIN Edgeboro Moravian Church lit up its sidewalks with luminarias. Each year the church holds the traditional putz, which is a multiple scene display with light and sound that explains the story of the first Christmas through the present day. More photos on A2 and A3.
Holiday spirit is displayed on Sycamore Steet in Bethlehem. The street is aptly named for the Sycamore trees that line the street. Sycamores are the largest deciduous trees in the eastern United States.
Maple Street in Bethlehem lights up the night with luminaria candle kits. This year's event included over 4,000 homes and businesses.
Neighbors on West Market Street in Bethlehem proudly display their lighted luminaria bags. The event has traditionally been a way to connect neighbors and to benefit a good cause.
Like many businesses, Moravian Village participated in this year's event. Moravian Village is a continuing care retirement community in Bethlehem.
Luke, a resident of Bethlehem, fills the luminaria bags for his grandmother with sand. A luminaria kit consists of sand, white paper bags and candles.
Two helpful New Bethany Ministries volunteers, Elder Goldscheitter, left and Doni Ayvazov, right, are on hand to assist customers during the designated pickup days for the luminaria kits at the Valley Center Parkway location.
New Bethany Ministries volunteers help customers load their vehicles with luminaria kits. New Bethany Ministries is an interfaith, nonprofit organization that assists those in need.
