Christmas in Bethlehem

Filed in archive Destination: Asia & the Pacific on December 7, 2007

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Every year, the scene of the Nativity is re-enacted in all Christian churches, mall displays, Christmas shows and just about everything that is synonymous to Christmas. We all know it by heart by now, eventhough most of us have no idea how the modern day Bethlehem or Bayt Lhem looks like.

Bethlehem, apart from Jesus' birthplace, is the Capital of the Bethlehem Governate, which is under full control of the Palestinian National Authority. Although it has been inhabited by Christian communities, Christian communities are slowly emigrating because of the conflict between the two neighboring nations.

Ofcourse, before traveling to Bethlehem, watch out for travel advisories. Nevertheless, a trip to Bethlehem should be in everyone's list, be they Christian, Muslim or Jew, since it is an important site to all three religions.

When in Bethlehem, a visit to one the following sites should be a MUST.

1. The Church of the Nativity built by Constantine the Great.

2. The Mar Saba Monastery

3. Rachel's Tomb

4. Beit Sahour

5. Beit Jala