The birth of Jesus Christ took place in a stable at Bethlehem. Anciently caves were often used as secure stables and this was the case at Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity was built over a series of cave stables. It is the oldest continuously used church in Christendom. The original church was build by Emperor Constantine about 326 AD at the same time as he built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The current church was rebuilt by the Emperor Justinian (537-565 AD). When the Persians invaded the Holyland in 614 AD, they destroyed all of the churches in the Holyland (including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) except this one. When the Persians entered this church they saw mosaics of the Wisemen (Magi) and believed them to be Persians, so they left this church in tact. The church was again remodeled by the Crusaders (1099-1291 AD).
But the significance of this church is that it all started on this spot, the Christmas story:
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7.
Under the main chapel of the Church of the Nativity is the grotto of the nativity. It no longer has its original look. It has been chiseled out into a small barrel-shaped chapel with the 14-point star placed in the front in a fireplace-sized alcove. The 14-point star represents the 14 generations listed in Matthew 1:1-16.
However, adjacent to the grotto of the nativity and under the Catholic chapel is another cave (called Jerome’s grotto) which still has a few of its original features, such as two mangers. It also has graffiti left by crusader pilgrims.
The front door of the Church of the Nativity has gone through several alterations. You can make out at least three former doorways. The present door is so low that visitors must stoop down to enter. It is small for defensive purposes. An attacker would have to stoop to enter and be vulnerable to sword strokes.
For other Christmas posts see:
Where Did the Wisemen Visit King Herod? The Herodium
The Wisemen’s Gift of Frankincense and Myrrh
Shepherds in the Field Were the First to be Told the Glad Tidings
and
Nazareth, The Lord’s Childhood Village
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