Editor:

On Monday, Dec. 7, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a miracle happened in Lehighton. The Lehighton Band began its Christmas concert from the band hall parking lot.

With temperatures near the 20s, a group of dedicated musicians began their concert, streamed live on Facebook, under the direction of Brad Cressley.

As I watched and listened, I noticed something unusual. It is hard to explain, but every so often a figure appeared and then in an instant disappeared. This went on through the entire concert. Fortunately, I was able to record the video and this is what I saw.

The first time the image appears is in the introduction, I slowed the playback to frame by frame and there it was, clear as crystal. It was a man with a big smile and a white beard, twinkling eyes and a red cap on his head.

I could see a red mitten on Brad’s shoulder as the mystery man nodded as if to confirm the introduction. He vanished as the music started.

Throughout the concert I would see him in every section of the band.

He had a trumpet, then a trombone, he produced a saxophone and a clarinet. There he was with a flute and then a drum; he covered every instrument. What a musician!

At the last piece, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” I realized who this character was. It was the Spirit of Christmas; we know him as Santa. This was not the commercial or political Santa.

This being exuded an aura of joy, peace and hope. He was there to give his blessing to the band for their demonstration of the true meaning of Christmas.

As he started to fade out of sight he turned to the side and there was a Nativity set, must have been in a neighbor’s yard, and I swear this to be true, I could see Mary, Joseph and all the figures standing and applauding.

The baby Jesus was smiling and clapping as well.

At that moment all the cares of the world disappeared, and I knew All is Well.

Barry Gangwer

Weatherly