The Nativity of Our Lord

We have arrived in Bethlehem. Here we took another scenic walk up to Manger Square, which stands in front of the Church of the Nativity. This basilica is considered to be the oldest continuously operating Christian church in the world. As we entered the church, we proceeded down to the Grotto of the Nativity, which marks the spot of our Savior's birth. But Neath the altar, there is a silver star and a Latin inscription that states: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTIS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary). After our group was able to all touch the star, we sang Christmas songs to celebrate his birth. We then celebrated a Christmas Mass in this sacred place, a neighboring Grotto, named after St. Jerome. He was one of the pivotal figures in the history of the preservation and transmission of the Bible. The celebration of Christmas will forever be changed for me after today's celebration. Very moving.Read more