Palestine

There is one place that I left off of my life history of Jesus - and that's where it all started - Bethlehem.  To see Bethlehem, we had to head into Palestine.

Palestine is separated from the rest of Israel, and in Bethlehem, this separation is manifested in a huge concrete wall topped with barbed wire.

Along the wall was graffiti, covering every inch of the wall.  The theme was the same - bring the wall down.

Notice the Statue of Liberty holding a doll symbolizing Israel/Palestine, crying. 

 

A dove of peace, carrying an olive branch, and wearing a bullet proof jacket, with a target at its heart.

A Christmas tree (Bethlehem) surrounded by a wall.

 

A painted icon of Mary on the wall.

A very famous piece of graffiti - a girl flying over the wall.

 

Going into Palestine was an interesting experience.  In Israel, everyone got very gruff and demanded exact change when you didn't hand them the correct coins.  When we boarded the bus to Palestine, my husband got out what he thought was the correct change.  When the fare was slightly more than he thought, he said, "I'm sorry, let me get more, I thought the fare was cheaper," as he fumbled for more money.  The bus driver, on the other hand, said, "No problem, it's ok, take your time."  As we walked along the streets of Palestine, we received many greetings, including cheery greetings from men carrying very large guns.  I guess they are happy to see tourists in Palestine.

The crowded streets of Palestine.

Following Jessa.

Stopping for a falafel lunch.

National garbage trucks are not allowed, so the UN has sent their own trucks to pick up the trash.

We have reached our destination - the birthplace of Jesus - the Church of the Nativity.  It's the oldest church in the world (that has never been destroyed).  It was built in 339!

The front door is very low.  You have to bow down to enter, so the door is called "the Door of Humility".

Inside the church.

 

Christmas ornaments decorate the church year round!

Pilgrims entering the cave where Jesus was born.  Jesus was born in a cave.  When there was "no room in the inn", Mary and Joseph were placed in the deeper part of the cave, normally reserved for animals, which were kept deep in the cave so that they would be protected.

The cave where Jesus was born.

Where Jesus was laid after He was born.

Bram and I in the church.