Bethlehem

Being at Herod's Herodian palace was eery. This man knew how to accomplish some incredible building projects and for this reason he was called Herod the Great. But everything about him personally was not great. His lifestyle was completely self-centered and deranged.

From Herod's palace it is possible to see Bethlehem.

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." (Matt 2:16)

Historians estimate that around twenty babies from Bethlehem were murdered as a result of his command.

Despite Herod's efforts Christ was born in Bethlehem.

We spent over an hour waiting to get into the Church of the Nativity. Can't imagine how long it must take around Christmas time. Hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world waited in line with us. Just a reminder to me that Christ is for all people.

Seeing the grotto within the church where the birth of Christ traditionally took place was interesting but it did not aid me in imagining the humble, intimate setting in which the Savior came into the world.

The shepherd's field we went to after the church gave me more time to think and envision what Mary and Joseph may have seen as they came into Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is of a higher elevation than Jerusalem. The whole area is very mountainous or as one from Colorado would say "hilly". I had always imagined the angel declaring glad tidings of great joy to shepherds in a green pasture. Not the case. This land is brown, rocky and thorny.

The Herodian, one of Herod's palaces and his burial place

Quin attacking Staish in the tunnels used during the Jewish Revolt at the Herodian

outside the church (Liddy, Me, Mikelle, Mary)

waiting around the grotto

Mikelle and roommate Mckenzie touching the traditional spot where Christ was born.

Shepherd field in Bethlehem