Day 7

Christmas Is Every Day.

Today was full of mixed emotions as we journeyed back into Bethlehem, such a sacred place for us as Catholics and yet very confronting as a modern city. Surrounded by a huge wall and a check point to enter and leave is not the image of Bethlehem I have in my head and yet it is the reality.

Our first stop took us to ‘Shepherds field’ this is just outside Bethlehem and traditionally it is known as fields in which the angel and star appeared to shepherds informing them of the birth of our king.  From the field you can also clearly see the Church of the Nativity so geographically it all comes together. The focus of today’s reading can be located in Luke 2:8-10. Rami our guide lead a discussion when we arrived explaining the role of shepherds in the time of Jesus. In the Jewish faith it is important that meat is kosher and this does not just refer to the way it is prepared for eating it also refers to the way the animal was treated during its life. Keeping this in mind it was really important that the shepherds looked after the sheep and did not mistreat them in any way. The sheep were also very important because they were used for sacrifices to show God how committed the people were in following Him. He made an interesting point when he pointed out that the shepherds, with the birth of Jesus had another lamb to look after, referring to Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.

It is also important to understand that the shepherds lived on the outskirts of town so they were the first people travellers met. After being with sheep all day the shepherds also enjoyed sharing time and talking to any travellers they may see. This may be another reason why these shepherds were chosen, as it was a way of spreading the news of the new born King quickly throughout the land. There wasn’t any internet in Jesus’ time.

The chapel was a beautiful chapel in which we were lucky enough to celebrate mass. 

Goats near Shepherds field

Sheep near Shepherds field

 

Shepherds watch their sheep by day

On the walls within the Shepherd's field Chapel

A beautiful depiction of the Christmas Story

Why did God chose these Shepherds?

The fountain found at the Shepherds field.

 

CHAPEL OF THE ANGELS

The Chapel of the Angels is also located on the site. Some Ethiopians were singing in the church when we entered, there song of praise was so prayerful.

The outside of the church

The grotto where we celebrated Mass

Poppies helped me remember an important even happening in Australia soon - ANZAC Day.

CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

Shortly afterwards we moved to the ‘Church of the Nativity’. The atmosphere here was in complete contrast to the feeling of ‘Shepherds Field’. The Greek Orthodox maintains this church, whilst the adjoining Church of St Catherine is a Roman Catholic Church. Within the ‘Church of the Nativity you will find the ‘Grotto of the Holy Manger’. It has to be entered by a number of downwards steps, however we had to wait two hours before we were allowed to enter because the Armenian Church was participating in a Mass within the Grotto. After they had completed their Mass it had to be swept out before we could enter. In the Grotto on a marble slab fixed in the pavement in the centre are the words “Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary”. The photos show this special site. 

The stain glass window is located in the Catholic church located on the grounds

In the Greek Orthodox area of the church there are lots of icons.

The artistry that adorned the entrance to the grotto was spectacular.

This painting marked the area where they traditionally believe the manger was located.

The small door the priest leave from after celebrating Mass in the Catholic area of the church.

 

“Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary”

 

The hustle and bustle surrounding this church didn’t remind me of a sacred space, it felt like we were lining up for a ride and the tension within the church was not welcoming.  Reaching out to the star and touching the significant area where we believe Jesus was born provided some peace and calm in the middle of an awkward space.

CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

The Franciscans have continued to have a huge impact on the churches in Bethlehem and this is no exception. The church has steps that lead down to a natural cave. This is believed to belong to Elizabeth and Zechariah, John’s parents.

The whole church was decorated with tiles like these

John the Baptist baptises Jesus

 

CHURCH OF THE VISITATION

The story of the Visitation is told in Luke 1:39-56 where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, they are both pregnant. It is believed the church stands over the very site of the Visitation. It is a long walk up more than one hundred steps but well worth the trip. In 1955 the Upper Church was restored by the Franciscans.

We had to walk up over one hundred steps to reach the church of the visitation

Mosaics are found on many of the churches here. They are a beautiful site.

Mary is protected by the trinity which is represented by the thee angels.

In the court yard they have the Magnificat in many different languages

An artists interpretation of the Virgin Mary.

I love this sculpture of Mary and Elizabeth