Israel 2022 - Reflection #25 - Church of the Nativity

 

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was one of the most beautiful places we visited. The church is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, active churches int the world. The Greek Orthodox Church runs this but the space is shared with the Armenian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. 

Many of their designs were borrowed from the Jewish Temple. 

We can be confident that this is the exact place of Jesus birth because of the continuous history that started as a house church, replaced by Pagan Temples by Hadrian in 135 AD, restored by Helena in 320AD, and preserved by the Persians. The Persians destroyed nearly all the other sites, but it is thought they did not destroy this holy site because of the depiction of the wise men (presumed from Persia).

 Most of our Christmas stories were westernized. For example the stables and mangers would have been made of stone. Westerners made them into objects of wood. The "Inn" where there was no room, was not a Hotel, it was the guest room. So, there was no room in the Guest room at the house they were staying in because of other guests. We are distracted by the true story of Christmas because of the westernization of the true story. 

I really love exploring and digging to find out what we know about that wonderful night. The story of Christmas is much like the rest of the Bible. I was listening to Andy Stanley yesterday and one of the people in his church was arguing with him about the content of one of his sermons which was directly from the Bible. 

I am so amazed at what people think is in the Bible, that is not, AND what is in the Bible that they are completely unaware of. Like with the Christmas story, people have completely twisted God's word to mean things that were never intended. I don't want to be one of those people. I don't take someone's word for it, I look for myself. We should all do the same thing!

The video below was taken inside the church and down at the exact location of Jesus' birth. The beauty of the Church was amazing and so much to show. I loved the Japanese version of Silent Night. The Star that everyone is touching is alleged to be the exact location of the birth of the Savior of the World. 

These pictures are not in any particular order. (Sorry). This is the outside of the Church of St. Catherine. The Statue is of Jerome who translated the first Latin version of the bible from Greek.

Inside St. Catherines. This is where the Christmas Mass is always held. 

These beautifully ornate mosaics were restored recently and are thought to have been added during the Crusades. 

The front of the Greek Orthodox Church at the Church of the Nativity. They decorate for Christmas (the christmas balls) all year long. 

These mosaics are covered and in the floor. They were constructed in the Helenistic period and were covered so people would not walk on the crosses found on the floors.

The paintings on the Pillars is from the 6th century and are still stunning. 

We did have some interaction with the Priests. Our Guide said they must have been in a good mood because they are not normally like this. 

Just Beautiful!

Another of the Priests (Father) with our Tour Guide Rami!

This opening, doorway, is called the Door of Humility. It was designed so that you would have to bow as you enter. The larger opening was closed up to prevent horses from entering the church.