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Israel Diary Church of the Nativity and Shepherd's Field The Egyptians first mention Bethlehem in the 14th century BC. It is important to us in because of its relationship to David. David is a descendent of Boaz and Ruth. David was especially partial to the water from the well of Bethlehem. The City is built on a hill. Even today, many of the houses are built in front of caves. The Church of the Nativity faces Manger Square. It is the oldest church in Israel. It was originally built in 326 AD over the spot where early Christians venerated the birth of Christ. Two hundred years later the church was rebuilt by the Roman Emperor Justinian.
The Church of the Nativity has a low doorway on the front for its entrance. According to legend, the doorway was built this way to prevent pagans from riding their horses into the Church. This low doorway makes one pause and bow. This is interesting because for one to visit the birthplace of the King every knee must bow. When we left the Church of the Nativity, we circled down the hill to the Shepherd’s Fields where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. This is an open, rocky, sparsely wooded field. There are sheep in several places and it doesn’t smell very good either.
The Lord does things in His own way. We cannot second-guess Him primarily because we are creatures of such limited intelligence and wisdom. In the account at Luke 2:8-15 of the angels visitation we experience the full impact of the wisdom of the Lord. He came to outsiders, ignoring the religious establishment in Jerusalem, to announce this wonderful event. God has come to man. Prophecy is fulfilled. We are not alone. He loves the lowliest one of us. Our wealth or job does not determine our value. The birth of Jesus is Good News for all of us. ©mikeclay.com, 1999 |
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