Bethlehem Lutheran hosts Julefest

The “queen of lights,” St. Lucia, visited Bethlehem Lutheran Church Saturday, Dec. 9, one of the darkest days of the year. The visit was part of the 43rd annual Julefest.

A student from the Bethlehem Lutheran Church confirmation class is selected to be St. Lucia. This year, two young ladies were interested in the role. During the Julefest program, Pastor Mark Ditmanson said the girls demonstrated the spirit of giving by deciding to share St. Lucia duties.

On Saturday, Cecelia Chmelik was St. Lucia and on Sunday, during church services, Amy Carpenter was Lucia. Attending St. Lucia were Ella Hallberg, Katie Sporn, and Piper Sporn.

Also visiting Julefest this year was St. Nicholas, in a long red robe with a staff and a bag of goodies for the children at Julefest. Pastor Mark instructed the children to leave their shoes at the door and as St. Nicholas departed, he left the treats in their shoes.
Stacy Hawkins played Christmas carols on the piano and Tina Hegg led the singing of Christmas carols.  

Attendees enjoyed sampling romme grot, rice pudding, Krumkake, Sandbakkels, Norwegian wedding cake, cardamom toast and more. And all enjoyed the celebration of light in the depths of winter.  

The Legend of St. Lucia
According to a Swedish folktale, Lucia appeared during a famine and distributed food from a ship to the starving people on land. For centuries, St. Lucia Day has been celebrated in Scandinavian countries on Dec. 13.

That date marks the darkest day in the Swedish winter, and is reason for a family celebration. The oldest daughter in the family is St. Lucia and wears a white dress with a crown made of pine boughs. On the crown are seven glowing candles, to represent the coming of brighter days. Around her waist she wears a bright red sash.

The other children in the family carry candles and follow her into their parents' bedroom, singing the traditional song, Santa Lucia. It is considered bad luck to eat after dawn on this day, so the children treat the parents to a special breakfast in bed.

St. Lucia is the “queen of lights” bringing the promise of longer days after a long, dark winter.

Song for St. Lucia
Nightly, with heavy steps; round farm and steading
On earth, where sun departs, shadows are spreading.
Then in our darkened house, rises with candles lit!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Then in our darkened house, rises with candles lit!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

The night is dark and still. Hark, something’s stirring!
In all our silent rooms, wingbeats are whisp’ring!
Stands on our threshold there, while clad, lights in her hair,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Stands on our threshold there, while clad, lights in her hair,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Darkness shall fly away; from the earth’s valleys.
Bringing such wonderful, words to us does she say!
Daylight, again renewed, will rise, all rosy-hued!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Deep in our northern sky, bright stars are beaming;
Christmas is drawing nigh, candles are gleaming.
Welcome thou visions rare, lights glowing in her hair,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Welcome thou visions rare, lights glowing in her hair,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!