But a not so “Silent Night”
This was a big one yesterday. The Church Of The Nativity in Bethlehem was one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting on my Holy Land trip. The spot where most scholars believe Jesus was born. The first Christmas morning!
But first let me start somewhere else. Have you ever been to The Alamo? If so, were you surprised to find that it basically sits right in the middle of busy downtown San Antonio? I mean, you’re picturing this fortress in the middle of a Texas battlefield, and when you get there, there’s a Walgreens right across the street.
The Church Of The Nativity is kind of like that, in the middle of this bustling city of nearly 1 million people. Cars and buses honking, souvenir vendors trying to get your attention. But then you step inside the church (through a couple of very low doors).
The grandeur of the church is what greets you first, and then you see…the people. Lots and lots of people, in a line that loops back and forth, almost Disney World style. The wait can be as much as 2-3 hours to visit the actual spot of Jesus’ birth, but what a view you have while waiting!
The Church Of The Nativity is actually three churches of different denominations under one roof. While we waited, a Greek Orthodox service began. Lots of shhhh! More talking, Shhhh! We did our very best to be respectful.
You are eventually funneled into smaller and smaller rooms of the church, and then you make the final descent into the grotto where Jesus was born. It’s actually under the main altar of the church. This is part of our group going right in front of me. At this point, my heart is pounding.
Suddenly, you turn a corner and it’s not a manger you see, but a VERY small cave with a silver star on the marble floor and a rock in the middle. You have to get on your knees to really see it. Perhaps that’s the point, to come humbly before The King.
But you won’t be down there long. To say we were rushed through this most holy place is an understatement. Some in our group say they weren’t even allowed to stop as they walked through. I guess I was lucky (or maybe no one was going to stop me!) and the next 2 or 3 seconds I’ll remember the rest of my life.
I dropped down to my knees, put my right hand on the stone, and quickly kissed the silver star. All I could think of to pray…”Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus.” I mean what more can we Christians really say?
Then as quick as I’m down, I’m back up, because my time is gone, but the memory? It will never go away. So, how many days now until Christmas?
Melinda's Journey To The Holy Land 
How humbling to be in that place! Can you only imagine standing before Jesus on “Some Glad Morning”?
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I loved that you said on our knees humbled before Jesus!
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I am so moved by your pictures & narrative. My long time friend for life, Sharon is with you and you are making me feel part of this group. Thank you Melinda 🙏. Lori Kurz
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I absolutely love reading your posts! You have a way of discriptive writing and the photos to go with it, i feel.like i am there with you. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
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My heart is pounding as I read this and see your pictures! Thank you Melinda for taking me there!
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Thank you, Thank you Jesus! I had chills as I read this! Thank you Melinda for sharing!!
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Following you and your blog is like I’m right there with you. ♥️
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Melinda, it took my breath away and my heart stopped beating as I read your description of that moment in time you had with our Lord at His place of birth. I though surely God is in this place!! Thank you for sharing not just your trip but your emotions too!! God be with you.
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Oh Melinda, what an awesome experience! So happy for you. Thank you for sharing with us. Love the pictures & your comments.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
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I’m loving re-visiting the Holy Land through your eyes. I went there with Sieg & Sherry in 2005. What an impact the trip made on my Bible study and life. Thank you for sharing. Terri Grimes
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Awesome experience! Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for sharing your experience of a lifetime! I am enjoying all of your Holy Land sights, descriptions, and deep soul stirring thoughts. I think this one is my favorite so far!
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Your blog of the sites is wonderful. I’ve enjoyed everything you & others on Facebook have shown. Safe journeys home, Melinda & all. Love the camel story! ❤️
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Couldn’t help but tear up when I read your description of the birth place of Jesus. You do make me feel like I am there with you.
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