The Thanksgiving holiday is always a special time. It means family, good food and an opportunity to reflect on our blessings.
This year I am especially thankful for the opportunity to celebrate our sister city relationship with Bethlehem. The city of Bethlehem is a very special place for so many people.
It is the birth place of Jesus and a magnet for visitors from around the world. It is also known as the City of David and it is the home to a large Muslim population. Therefore, the three religions of the world “revere” the City of Bethlehem as a special place to each religion.
This year, Joplin will be host to the mayor of Bethlehem and his wife; a priest of Bethlehem District of Beit Jala; and the resident of the Bethlehem Bible College. The Four-State Area will have a number of opportunities to celebrate the first week in December. Christmas is a time to share and to reflect on the needs of others. It is a time to pray for peace for all faiths and all religions.
On Dec. 3, we will celebrate a “Peace on Earth” dinner at Missouri Southern State University with special prayers for peace on earth from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions. Our Bethlehem Joplin Holiday Experience is centered around unity, sharing and thanksgiving.
One of the special events of the week will be a living nativity, drive-through style, at Landreth Park in Joplin. Volunteers have come together to present the “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” experience which will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 2-5.
The delegation from Bethlehem will be participating in events throughout the week of Dec. 1-6. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season of sharing, thanksgiving and peace.
Yes, I am thankful to be living in this time and place where people really care for one another and where we can pray for peace on Earth, good will to all.
Vince Lindstrom is the director of Joplin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and a member of the Joplin Sister City Committee.
