Heroes, Heroines, and History

Happy November, everyone! With the holiday season approaching, I wanted to transport you to Bethlehem and visit the site of the birth of Christ.

The exterior of the Church of the Nativity
By Neil Ward - Church of the Nativity, CC

While Bethlehem is in the country of Israel, it is under the Palestinian Authority, so our tour bus was subject to searches from both Israeli and Palestinian military as we entered and exited the city. While much of the city has been modernized and is occupied by people today, there are still remnants of its rich history. Tucked away in the heart of Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Christianity. This revered site, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, has been a sacred pilgrimage destination for centuries. As we delve into its rich history, you'll discover why this iconic landmark remains a powerful symbol of faith.


Many of the Christian sites in Israel are in dispute and have multiple places where the event may have taken place. For example, the Tomb of Christ has two sites that both claim to be the actual place where Christ was buried: the Garden Tomb (claimed by protestants) and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (claimed by Catholics). However, Christ's birthplace in Bethlehem is not one of those places. Perhaps the reason that it is considered one of the most credible sites is because of how early it was revered as the place of Christ's birth. As early as 248 A.D. we have record of a Greek Philosopher mentioning that the site was held to be the place of the Nativity.

In Bethlehem the cave is pointed out where He was born, and the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. And the rumor is in those places, and among foreigners of the Faith, that indeed Jesus was born in this cave who is worshiped and reverenced by the Christians.
~ Origen of Alexandria, Contra Celsum 248 A.D.

In 333 AD, Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor, commissioned the construction of the original basilica. His mother, Helena, a devout Christian, played a pivotal role in identifying the site where Jesus was born. The church's design reflected the simplicity and elegance of early Christian architecture.

Interior of the church
Public Domain

Over the centuries, the church has undergone significant transformations. Following a devastating fire in 529 AD, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the church in grand Byzantine style, complete with stunning mosaics and marble. Later, the Crusaders renovated and fortified the structure, adding Gothic elements that still awe visitors today.


Under Ottoman rule, the church underwent further changes. A contentious dispute between the Ottoman Empire, Britain, France, and Russia in 1852 led to the infamous "Status Quo" agreement, which has maintained the church's integrity to this day.


In 2012, the Church of the Nativity earned UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. Restoration efforts have preserved the ancient mosaics, frescoes, and architectural nuances that transport visitors back in time.

The Silver Star below the altar of the Nativity

By User:Rossnixon Public Domain

As you step into the church, the weight of history and devotion envelops you. There is a lavish basilica above, and a stairwell that leads to the cave beneath it where it is believed that Mary gave birth. The entire cavern is coated in gold and marble, which was a bit disappointing to me, because I had hoped to get more of an idea of what the cave may have looked like during the time of Jesus. There was a marble altar to commemorate the manger, and a silver star marks a spot on the floor which claims to be the exact spot where Jesus was "born". I found that odd, personally. The star is about one foot square in size, so I don't know if that is supposed to be where Mary was laying, or what the case may be. It was still an absolutely breathtaking experience to stand in that place.


Adjoining the Chruch of the Nativity is Saint Catherine's Church which has access to caves beneath. These caves are more authentic and untouched than the gold-coated cavern. This side of the caves is known to be the place where Joseph received the dream warning him to flee to Egypt, and where Saint Jerome hid out to translate the Bible. I enjoyed this side of the grotto much more, as I felt it was closer to how Mary would have experienced it.

The Church of the Nativity is more than just a historical site – it's a tangible connection to the beginnings of Christianity. Countless pilgrims have travelled to Bethlehem to honor the beginning of the Greatest Story Ever Told. Being there was certainly transformational for me and I couldn't wait to write about it in one of my stories.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!