Bethlehem: The Church of the Nativity

We visited Bethlehem and the 3rd century Church of the Nativity, which is built over the cave, which was used by an Inn as a Stable and was the site of Jesus' Birth.

Palestinian terrorism has required Bethlehem to be surrounded by walls. Within Bethlehem is the Church of the Nativity ... a very ancient 3rd Century... ... church which has long been revered as the site of the Birth of Jesus. Manger square, viewed from the church courtyard. Our Christian tour guide explained the history before taking us into the ... ... 4th Century Church. One can see where the entrance used to be bigger. But, now, one can see that the entrance has been made smaller so-as to defend Weldon has to stoop ahead me. Once inside we entered the Orthodox Nave ... ... with it's lovely, yet simple, views of the 2nd Century church floor. The Orthodox "Chancel" and Iconostasis. The cave in which Jesus was born. The rough stone walls are covered by tapestry. The traditional site of the birth of Jesus ... again, all "shrinified." The manger ... all covered with marble to protec It and make it fir for ... ... veneration. Behind the birth chapel is a smaller chapel dedicated to those who have died. Jerome, the translator of the Bible into Latin, was buried here. Jerome was removed for safe keeping many years ago. The Roman Catholic chapel, built on the site. St. Jerome, depicted in the courtyard in front of the Church of the Nativity. The rooftops of Bethlehem. The streets of Jerusalem. Israelis have built suburbs between Jersualem and bethlehem.