VISITING BETHLEHEM, HERODION AND MAR SABA MONASTERY (11th December, 2008)

This 14 pointed silver star inside the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem marks the spot where Jesus was born.

A few days more and we are going to celebrate 2008th birthday of Jesus Christ. To be at the very spot where He was born (todays Church of Nativity), is without doubt a dream coming true for Christians at least. The site has been venerated by Christians since the second century. It is the oldest Church (AD 323) in the Holy Land still in use and one of the oldest churches in the world. Today the church is controlled by three Christian denominations - Armenians, Catholics and the Greek Orthodox. Apart from experiencing the venue of Christmas where it all happened, what drew my attention was the city of Bethlehem and its remarkable hospitality. Here are a few photographs for all those who had desired to be in Bethlehem once in their life time.

Bethlehem has been mentioned many times in Bible. It is here Rachel died and was burried (Gen 48:7); Ruth gleaned the fields (Ruth 1) and King David was born (I Sam 17:12-15). However, it was the birth of Jesus Christ (Mathew 2:1-23; Luke 2: 4), that transformed this obscure village into a world famous destination.

Although, Bethlehem is just 10 km south of Jerusalem, visiting the city is said to be a tedious task. Today, Bethlehem is a Palestinian city in West Bank and for obvious reasons one has to keep certain formalities while visiting the city. More details later...

Itinerary

06.30 am -Sede Boker- Metropolin 60

08.00 am-Beer Sheva- Egged 470

10.00 am-Jerusalem-City Bus 1

10.30-Damascus Gate (Old City)-Bus 21 (Arab)

11.05 am-Bethlehem

11.30 to 2.00 pm- Church of Nativity, Milk Grotto, Manger Square

2.00 pm to 5.15 pm-TAXI hired to Mar Saba Monastery, Herodion, Shepherd's Field

5.15 pm-6.45 pm-Bethlehem City

7.30 pm-Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem

08.30 pm -Jerusalem Central Bus Station (CBS)-Egged 470

11.00 pm-Beer Sheva-Metropolin 60

11.45 pm-Sede Boker

The Arab Bus Stand at Damascus Gate, Jerusalem: Bus #21 from here goes to Bethlehem.

The Israeli Checkpost near Bethlehem

The Modern City of Bethlehem

Bethlehem City Center

Manger Square: Tourist hotspot and center of Bethlehem's religious activites

Manger Square is the most famous square in Palestine where Christmas celebrations are held every year and watched worldwide.

The Door of Humility: entrance to the Church of Nativity. Built by Crusaders, the low door was to restrict mounted horsemen from entering the church.