Bethlehem

While only about 5 miles from the Old City of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is in the West Bank. The first thing you see approaching Bethlehem is a section of the controversial and graffitied cement Israeli West Bank barrier. This wall separates much of the West Bank from Israel and serves its intended purpose of keeping Arabs living in the West Bank in the West Bank.

Talking with our Arab Christian friend in Bethlehem, who has lived here long before the mid-1990's construction of these walls, it is clear that he feels a bit like a caged animal behind these walls.

Under many Bethlehem homes even to this day are caves. Historically, this is where shepherds would keep their flocks.

It is also very likely that it was in a cave like this - not a wooden manger - that Jesus would have been born. This cave is at Shepherd's Field.

Within the Church of the Nativity this star tucked down some stairs in what once a cave marks the traditional spot where it is believed Jesus was born. While it obviously isn't known if this is the actual spot. This cave has been recognized as the place of Christ's birth since the 1st century.

This is inside the church at the Shepherd's Field and reminds you of the star that was visible to shepherds in this area announcing the Savior's birth.

I had always assumed that Christ would have been born in 1 BC and then crucified in 33 AD (there wouldn't be a year 0). Apparently that wasn't necessarily the case. It is believed that Christ would have actually been born between 8 and 5 BC.