Christmas in Jerusalem

It is Christmas day! Merry Christmas! Yesterday we went in to Bethlehem. It is not something that we’re normally allowed to do. We spent the afternoon lining up to get into the Church of the Nativity. We made it, but only just. They were chasing us out at the end telling us that they were closing. But it was a great opportunity to be there and think about Christmas from a different perspective. There was a real festive atmosphere in Manger Square. I loved it! Then we walked out and went to the Bethlehem Branch for a Christmas social. It was about a 30 minute walk. On the way the street was lined with police and army because there were some dignitaries in a huge motorcade rushing past us. The street that we walked along was Hebron Road, the same road that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob walked along and also the road that Mary and Joseph would have travelled between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. So that was fun to think about it. At the Branch we read Luke 2 in English and Arabic; sang some carols, including O Little Town of Bethlehem, and then had some refreshments. It was a lovely evening.

Us at Manger Square in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. The Church of the Nativity is in the background.

Cherie at the Manger in the Church of the Nativity

Cherie playing the organ in the auditorium of the Jerusalem Center

Christmas Eve with the Bethlehem Branch

Bro & Sister Hopkin (service couple in the Galilee), Becky, Cherie, and me in the back—waiting in line to get into the nativity grotto

This morning we got up, had brunch with other people in the Center, and now we just came home, opened presents, and are cooking dinner. We have invited one of the Service couples to come and eat with us. They had family come and stay and unfortunately one of them had a stroke while we were in Galilee. So they've had to stay a little longer. So it will be fun to share our Christmas meal together. Then we’re going to go up into the auditorium where the Jones will play Christmas carols on the piano and organ.