BETHLEHEM, N.C. – The star in Bethlehem, North Carolina is now lit. The mountain town has been known to light the star on the first Saturday in December every year.

This year, due to coronavirus, they were unable to have their traditional lighting, so they went virtual. The town has had the star lit since March to promote light during what they call a "dark time".

The star is located in front of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church. During their virtual star lighting, five pastors came together to create a 15-minute video, much of which was acted out by teenagers showing the entire nativity scene.

Pastor Mike Stone says this year, more than any other, people need to see that star lit.

"It will bring a lot of joy, a lot of hope. I think everything this year means more. Songs, everything we see and do has a different meaning than it did a year ago. Things we took for granted," says Stone.

The star will remain lit in Bethlehem until the end of the pandemic. Stone says they are hoping to have a gathering around the star in the summer, where they turn it off and ask people to let the light be within them.

If you would like to watch the virtual star lighting, click here.