Bethlehem

How far is it to Bethlehem?

....not very far!

Church of the Nativity

Where the manger "was"

A replica of THE manger!!...wait...

Tomb of the Shepherds

The hillside overlooking Bethlehem where we sang Christmas hymns

This is the new fence they put up that adds to the wall between Jerusalem and Bethlehem/West Bank. A very sad thing - Brother Huntsman told us they just put it up a few months ago and before that, shepherds would still walk with their sheep to the village on the other side to do business.

Bethlehem on our left

How far is it to Bethlehem?
Not very far
Shall we find the stable room lit by a star?
Will we find the little child? Is He within?
If we lift the wooden latch may we go in?

May we stroke the creatures there oxen and sheep?
May we peep like them and see Jesus asleep?
If we touch His tiny hand, will He awake?
Will He know we've come so far just for His sake?

Great kings have precious gifts and we have naught.
Little smiles and little tears are all we've brought.
For all weary children Mary must weep.
Here on this bed of straw, sleep children sleep.