The little town of Bethlehem, A Christmas Journey

December synonymous with the celebration of Christmas for Christians, although the influence of Christmas that makes it so great as a global celebration. Christmas has become a global holiday, regardless of religion or location.

Commercialism is now increasingly displacing the true meaning of Christmas, then to return to the roots of Christmas, nothing can beat the pilgrimage to the birthplace of Jesus. Participate and experience the trip back to the past, when the savior comes in the earth.

As quoted from wikipedia site, the city has significance for Christians because it is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth as well as Rachel's grave to adherents of Judaism lies in the outskirts of this city. Located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem, with a height of about 2510 feet above sea level.

Just a small town can even be said to be a quiet town, but strangely, instead of this city that never occurred important events. Many important figures in the history of Christianity was born in this city, let's say that King David. The king who had ruled Israel for 40 years in Jerusalem, was born in this city.

Charm of this city lies in history and a very long key events involving the great religions of the world, Jews, Christians and Muslims, so that the city developed into a tourist destination, city of history and religion. A spiritual journey that thrill the soul.

Some locations that must be visited religious tourism, among others, the main page and the wall Basilica of the Nativity, the Cave of the Nativity, Church of St. Catherine and of course the Tomb of Rachel.

Christmas Eve arrived, the tourists should not miss the opportunity to present at this place and feel the charm of the birth of Jesus, Manger Square (Court Manger) in the Old City, Bethlehem, on Christmas Eve filled with Christmas trees. And the feast can be found at the midnight mass at St. Catherine, just as the bell rang at 00.00.

Our imagination hovers in a popular Christmas carol, "O LittleTown of Bethlehem" by Phillips Brooks (1835-1893), an Episcopal priest who was inspired when he visited Betlehem in 1865.

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

"Merry Christmas! Peace on Earth!"

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(Various sources /Images J Roberts)