A little town of Bethlehem--- with nerve!

We've got our own "Little Town of Bethlehem" right here in New Mexico. It's actually called "Belen," which is Spanish for "Bethlehem." And this year, the Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce is promoting an idea that is quaint, charming, and also (in our current era of political correctness) definitely gutsy and maybe risky. Here's the idea:

This Christmas season, the Chamber will host its first ever "Nativity Scene Contest." The idea grew from the town's name (Belen=Bethlehem), and is designed to "help make this city a tourist destination," according to a quotation from Deputy Chamber Director Cindy Clark that the Valencia County News Bulletin included in its recent article about the event.

The Chamber is encouraging residents to display nativity scenes in front of their homes or businesses as part of the contest. Entries are due at the chamber by Dec. 19, and there is no fee. No live people or animals may be used in the contest. Displays will be judged on Dec. 22 and 23, with winners announced Dec. 27. There will be plaques for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entries.

Organizers hope that residents will get behind the idea as a way to capitalize on the "little town's" namesake, as vistors marvel at the spectacular sights of "Christmas in Bethlehem (Belen)."

I love the idea! It's unique, and quaint, and historic, all rolled into one. But hey, this is, after all, the country where a lawsuit was filed to try to force another NM town (Las Cruces) to remove the two crosses from its city logo on the grounds that any two crosses must be a violation of church and state. What would those folks make a a little town actually sponsoring creches, complete with Mary, Joseph, and the Baby?

I'll be waiting to see how this works out. I'm with the Belen residents who hope that this will truly make folks say, in the words of the old Spanish carol, "Vamos Todos a Belen."

Merry Christmas, Everybody!