The light of the world

hristmas is a favorite holiday for Doug Breite, and this year he's sharing his enthusiasm --and a bit of the Christmas story -- with the community.

Breite, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, turned his lawn into the town of Bethlehem using lights and wooden cutouts.

The display even earned him recognition as a winner in the Convention and Visitors Bureau's annual Holiday of Lights contest.

"We tried to come up with a Christmas theme and a witness," Breite said.

Planning for the display began in October and included members of the church staff and congregation helping to put it all together.

Shepherds stand in the corner of Breite's lot on Thomas Drive, and the city of Bethlehem is outlined in lights and PVC pipe along his two-tiered back deck.

He and his wife have even given up parking in their garage for the month so that the manger scene has an appropriate display in the driveway.

A huge star hangs on the roof of his home, placed there by Vicar Jeff Schanbacher since Breite isn't fond of heights.

The concept of the town of Bethlehem is really the work of Leah Kortmeyer, the director of Christian education at the church. Breite said she really took over planning in October.

The project will likely expand next year to include the Three Wise Men and more lights, which were suggested by his children.

When the Breites moved to Cape Girardeau four years ago, they were excited to learn about the annual lights display contest. Breite told the church staff he'd win an award in the contest within seven years; he did it much sooner.

A lot of houses in his neighborhood are lit and plenty in the city put up displays, he said. "But we've been amazed at the few numbers of Nativity displays," he said.

Since Jesus is "the light of the world, it's been exciting to fill that void and have a 'Silent Night, Holy Night' theme," Breite said.

"We have a good time with the holiday."

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126