Week 7 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 7 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Happy new year and welcome to Week 7 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! Wait...what? Before you start thinking that perhaps you slept until 2017, don't worry. Today, the first Sunday of Advent, marks the new year on the Christian calendar.

"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" was written by Nahum Tate, a man who was stricken by poverty for much of his life. Perhaps he could relate to shepherds who probably sat on the ground and endured all types of weather while watching the night sky. Christmas programs referencing Luke 2 often feature this Christmas carol.

This Christmas carol is commonly sung to one of two different tunes. The most popular tune includes Christmas by Handel, while the second most popular tune is Winchester Old that was likely arranged by George Kirbye.

May each of us may find a refreshing, unexpected surprise as we go about a mundane task that we have performed many times over the years. And in case you haven't joined our fitness challenge, this week is a great time to come on board and commit to being physically active with the start of our Christ-centered new year!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Luke 2:8