Bethlehem
Appropriately, this journey through the Holy Land first takes us to Bethlehem.
Here we have a bird's eye view of modern Bethlehem. It is much larger now than it would have been in the first century, when it would have only been a small village.
The intervening fields in the foreground are referred to as the "Shepherd's Fields" and are the setting for the angels' annunciation of the birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:8-20
Here we are in Shepherd's Fields looking at a typical cave in the side of the hill. Such would have been the shelter of a shepherd and his flock at night in the first century. So again, this is a vivid image to place with Luke 2.
Now we will move into the city of Bethlehem towards the Church of the Nativity.
This is a typical view from within modern Bethlehem.
First, we will stop by the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, but we have to walk to get there:
It can be recognized in the distance by its cone-shaped steeple:
And here we are:
A common misconception is that the word "Arab" necessarily means Muslim. However, this is not the case. This Lutheran church is in fact attended mostly by Arabs.
The ministry of this church is truly wonderful. Christians of all backgrounds are encouraged to join together in this community as followers of Jesus Christ. Christmas Church also hosts many international seminars and even offers courses in modern foreign languages and religious studies.
Now we will move to the Church of the Nativity.
Here we are in what is called Manger Square, which is in front of the Church of the Nativity:
The small doorway slightly to the left in the photo center is the entrance to the church.
Now let's take a closer look at the entrance.
As you can see, the top of the doorway has been lowered several times. The final reduction took place during the Crusades to prevent people riding in on horses. Some comment that the changes were appropriate because now, no one can enter the birthplace of Jesus except on bended knee.
So let's go inside:
This structure was originally completed in 339 CE, when it was dedicated by Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine.
Here we are at the back of the church looking forwards. The nave area extends to the right and left beyond the columns. The cave of Jesus' birth is actually under the altar area in the distance. We will go around to the right hand side to enter.
Notice the "hole" in the floor in the picture above. It shows part of the original mosaic floor dedicated by Helena (detail below).
Before we go to the cave, here are views of the left hand area beyond the columns, and an octagonal baptismal font beyond the columns on the right:
Now we will walk around to the right of the altar area and descend to the cave that is beneath it:
Now beneath the altar of the church, we stand in the cave and before the place where it is believed Jesus Christ was born (close-up on the right).
And now we will exit the cave and pass by the other side of the altar. In the right hand picture, notice the exit we just came out of in the extreme lower left of the picture.
As we now exit the church, you will see the Christmas decorations and celebrations which were present in 1999. Unfortunately, due to political unrest, Manger Square was without decoration and virtually deserted in 2001.
Adjacent to the Church of the Nativity is the Roman Catholic Church of St. Catherine.
Beneath this church is yet another cave. In 384 CE Saint Jerome moved to Bethlehem to learn Hebrew in order to complete his new Latin translation of the Bible, the Vulgate.
On the left is the traditional cave where Jerome did his work and to the right is the nearby tomb where Jerome is believed to be buried.
As we now exit the church, we can see a statue of St. Jerome. Notice the skull at his feet. It is said that he kept a human skull on his desk as he worked to remind himself of his mortality. Behind the statue of Jerome is a statue of St. Catherine. Appropriately, a cross stands above all the features.
Although these ancient sites are truly spectacular to visit, there is another, modern site in Bethlehem that should be visited: Bethlehem Bible College.
This institution is a shining light in Bethlehem. Despite hardship and discrimination caused by political strife, Bethlehem Bible College has managed to establish itself as a center of advanced theological education, even having its own library that is open to the public - the only one of its kind in Bethlehem. At the college, a spirit of Christian love and a desire for peace predominates.
To learn more about Bethlehem Bible College, visit their website at: http://www.bethlehembiblecollege.edu/