Moravian Village hosted the 50th Annual Community Advent breakfast Dec. 5 and parking for the sold-out event was at a premium. The early morning event started with the Prelude by the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir and ended with the Benediction by the Rev. Molly Clymer. What transpired in between was food for the palate and soul as well as inspiring sights and sounds.

The first Advent breakfast was held at the Hotel Bethlehem in 1965. The menu was simple: juice, Moravian sugar cake and coffee. There were no candles, decorations or Christmas music. That was not the case Saturday morning.

Residents and their guests, along with city representatives, were treated to a full-course breakfast of eggs, pancakes, meats, potatoes, toast, coffee, juice and Moravian sugar cake. In addition to the Trombone Choir, Liberty and Freedom HS choirs and the Broughal MS Singers filled the dining room with beautiful Christmas music.

Shane Burcaw and his cousin, Sarah Burcaw, delivered the Advent Message. Their grandmother, the Rev. Dorothy Burcaw, had delivered the Advent Message 30 years ago. Shane and Sarah noted how special the opportunity to speak at the breakfast was to them. They noted that Bethlehem is a special place, not just because it is the Christmas City, but because of the people who are so willing to volunteer and help make the community a vital place to live.

Shane and Sarah were introduced by Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez. Other guests included a group from Tamaqua which will host its 5th annual Advent Breakfast this Saturday. A group of local residents are planning to represent the Christmas City at that event.