Your Hometown News Source
Your Hometown News Source
The tradition of Christmas and the celebration of the birth of the Christ child, represented by this lighted creche on the lawn of the Garfield County Courthouse, are long-established in Garfield County from the days of the pioneers to modern times. Even COVID-19 cannot disrupt the representation of the Bethlehem manger scene, compete with the Magi, camels and livestock attending to the birthplace of Jesus. This display comes out every year and underscores the deep faith present in this community through numerous pioneering families whose descendants reside in Pomeroy and the surrounding area to this day.
POMEROY–Two celebrations are planned for this Christmas season: a Nativity parade on December 20 at 3 p.m. and the appearance of the "Star of Bethlehem" in the evening sky on December 21 at 5:06 p.m.
The cancellation of the traditional Community Christmas Program due to COVID-19 risks and restrictions presented an opportunity for the Pomeroy Ministerial Association (PMA) to get creative in celebrating Advent and the birth of Jesus this year. The PMA and four local churches will present a Nativity Parade on Sunday, December 20.
The procession of the following seven floats: Pomeroy Christian Church, music float, Shepherds and Angels float; Methodist Church, the Wisemen float; Holy Rosary Catholic Church, two the creche float and the Inn float; Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene, the Star of Bethlehem float; Scoggin Family/GCCYP, the announcement of Jesus birth float, will make its way through Pomeroy using Main Street, High Street, Pataha Street, Columbia Street and Arlington Street as the main routes, with several cross streets connecting the dots. Participants and floats will be observing pandemic safety practices.
For a unique gift, Pastor Evan Elwell of Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene points out a truly special occurrence during advent this year; the re-appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. "The Star of Bethlehem" the Wise Men saw is believed to have been the convergence of Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky in 7 BC, appearing to form a new star. For the first time in 400 years, the two will again appear to almost touch, once again forming the famous 'Star'. The best time to see the Star of Bethlehem will be about an hour after sunset on December 21 in the southwest sky," reported Pastor Elwell.
The Pomeroy Ministerial Association invites all residents to view both the parade and the "star" phenomenon in celebration of Christmas this year, and wishes everyone peace and goodwill!
