I am for sure playing a game of catch-up that I really do not think I will win, but I plan to give it my best shot so here is to our Bethlehem field trip.
Since it is in the West Bank, going to Bethlehem is kinda a one time dealio despite it being so close to us. The sad truth. However, we for sure made the most of it. The main attraction was definitely The Church of the Nativity which is where Christians everywhere come to celebrate the birth of Christ that is believed to have taken place in the grotto under the church. We joined in the celebration/pilgrimage and made our way through the small front door then down a small yet packed staircase to get close to the grotto. Some pilgrims light candles at holy sites which make for a beautiful setting. My favorite part was not the grotto thought. My favorite part was sitting in a side room of the church with our class singing Christmas songs about Jesus' birth. That is when I truly felt the spirit.
After we left the hustle and bustle of modern Bethlehem, we headed to a shepherd's hill outside of the city where we had the pleasure of having a devotional and singing many Christmas songs. It was such a neat experience. One I will never forget :)
ps below is my nativity I bought out of olive wood :) more pictures to come!
Loved your updates! What a gorgeous nativity! You will enjoy that for the rest of your life! :-)
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