Bethlehem

Palestinian lunch. Love that eggplant and humus!
site of shepherds' field in Bethlehem. . Also ancient tomb from the time of Jesus

Grotto where Jesus was thought to have been born and the site of the manger
Church of Nativity Helena mother of Constantine built the first Christian church here in AD 339 over the cave that was thought.to be the birthplace of Jesus. It has been rebuilt many times
This town is located about 8 km south of Jerusalem. It is now in Palestinian territory, so we had to go through a check point (with soldiers) to get to it. Ordinary Israeli citizens are not allowed in this territory unless they have a special permit like our tour guide. We had a tour of the town by a local Bethlehem guide, showing us the cave where Jesus was thought to have been born. This is now covered by a church but it still can be seen. (Cattle were kept in caves not barns as I always thought!) We saw the fields where traditionally sheep were always kept. We had a wonderful tour of the town by a Christian tour guide who lived in the town even though it was in Palestinian territory

Inside the church of Nativity. According to tradition, this was the spot where Jesus was born



Shepherds Fields Church Bethlehem. Acoustics are amazing. Sang "angels we have heard on high" in here.




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