Church of the Nativity > The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem > It is in Palestinian territories > The church was originally commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine and his mother Helena > The site that is still traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. >The Church completed in 339 AD and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the sixth century AD. A new church was built 565 AD by the Byzantine Emperor, restoring the architectural tone of the original.

The Church of the Nativity is always busy. It is under the Palestinian Authority’s control.

Source: The church’s shape is in the shape of a cross.

Inside, the church is small. The ceiling structure is simple, and one smells all of the incense that is regularly lit.

The original mosaic floor is visible. It is about 2 feet under the floor that was rebuilt after the fire. There are doors in the floor that cover the mosaics.

The pillars are very unique in color and finish. The capitals are exquisite.

As one approaches the alter, the incense may be intense.

Even through the public’s movement and talking, there are people worshipping.

This makes the exit of the “place” of the nativity. The actual place is unknown.

Source: This area marks the presumed place of Jesus’ birth.

This is one of a few denominational alters located in the church.

Latin Vulgate Bible 4 th Century

This is the entrance to the cave where Jerome translated the Bible into Latin—The Vulgate in the 4 th Century AD.

A statue of Jerome located in the church’s courtyard. A skull is included with him. For Jerome’s subterranean study was a tomb.

We shared in a Palestinian meal while we were in Bethlehem.