On this evening, after three Advent candles, about two dozen men and women gather in the sanctuary of Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, to deck the walls with 20 wreaths of balsam.

The greater challenge, though, involved fabricating a frame for a mural of the Nativity scene, then lifting the stretched canvas to cover much of the wall immediately behind the pulpit. Fabric swags next are draped to mask off either side.

First, though, the assemblage must be braced into place. Phil Corvino and Frank Boyer, on the third level of scaffolding, reach into space with screw gun and stapler.

From below, Jeff Griffis, retired after 39 years progressing to head sacristan, calls out suggestions from the second pew.

Has anything changed in church Christmas decoration during that time? “Not much,” Griffis says.

The mural itself dates from 1948, his guess. Though somewhat fragile, it is one of several similar in storage.

As for him, a lifelong Bethlehemite (until recently), Griffis jokes, “I now come from Egypt (Whitehall Township) to Bethlehem.”

From one side of the sanctuary, comes a cry: “You’ll hate the mesh.” Then general laughter.

That seems accurate.

On the upmost level, Christian Rice (chief pastor Janel’s husband), first must stretch netting across the gap between the mural’s top and the ceiling. Then, balancing carefully, he needs to scoop straw from a hay bale and spread it across the mesh to block the gap.

Rice, it must be said, seems quite a bit younger than any other of those assembled, and appears athletic. Further, there has been no competition for mesh duty.

Indeed, other than when lifting the mural frame (much like for a barn raising), the assembled has had little to do. Other than enjoy one another in Christian communion.

Most will be back on the following night.