Trivia Question: What was the first state to legalize the celebration of Christmas? a. Alabama b. New York c. New Jersey
look under the Snowman below for the answer

Places of the Christmas Narrative

Bethlehem – (means “house of bread”). The prophesied birthplace of the future Messiah “anointed” [Micah 5:2]. There was a Bethlehem in Galilee and in Judea, but Matthew makes the difference between these two by noting it as the home of David, (which would be the Judean Bethlehem). It was a small town 5-6 miles southwest of Jerusalem situated in the Judean hills on the main route to Hebron and Egypt.
See map above, below is aerial view of Bethlehem today.

In Jacob's time it was called Ephrath, and it is where he buried Rachel [Gen. 35:16,19; 48:7]. Home to Elimelech and Boaz [Ruth 1:1,2; 2:1,4]. Where David shepherded his fathers' sheep, and where he was anointed King [1 Sam. 16:13]. A civil war indirectly resulted from overwhelming hospitality shown in Bethlehem [Jud. 19:1-18]. Asahel, son of Zeriah, the "fleet-footed" warrior of David's, was buried here after being killed by Abner [2 Sam. 2:18-32]. King David longed for the water from the well of Bethlehem while it was a Philistine stronghold [2 Sam. 23:14] (the well is still in existence).
>>> put in about Jeremiah, Chamimham's inn and caravanserai, later<<<.
It’s approximately 75 miles of rough mountainy traveling from Nazareth through hills and then 5 miles south of Jerusalem.
There were no vacancies at the possibly only inn due to the overcrowding of small village by people registering for the census. The exact location of Jesus’ birth is unknown, but due to being laid in a manger or feed tough, it has been speculated it was in a stable. Stables in the area were usually made of stones or in a cave. It was common for buildings to be built in front a cave, for easy guarding of the animals from thief at night.
In the 2nd century Justin Martyr said Jesus was born in a cave at the village. This cave is approximately 39’x11” and 9’ high.
Below current picture of the cave under the Church of the Nativity

The little cove just left of center is purportedly the spot where the Christ Child was born.
In around AD326-330, Emperior Constantine's Empress Helena built a church over this cave. The church was rebuilt in the 6th century. Parts of the original church still are standing today and is considered by scholars to be one of the most authentic holy sites in the holy land.
The Church of the Nativity is said to be the oldest surviving Christian church in existence and also the most fought over. It currently has a shared control of the Greek Orthodox, Franciscan, and Armenian churches. It's currently in need of repairs, but getting the different clergy to agree on anything has been very difficult, it's known that broomstick fights has broken out among the brethren, the Palestinian authority is trying facilitate discussions. It's history is absolutely fascinating and I'll try to include much more later, but it'll need it's own page.
Current view of the interior of the Church of the Nativity, the cave is below the altar, with entrances on each side.

The 44 columns were painted with saints during the Crusader occupation sometime between 1130 and 1170AD. It's said to be the most complete collection of medieval paintings in existence.
For perspective note person standing beside second column on the right.
This is still the traditional spot of Jesus’ birth.
{Joseph & Mary probably didn’t tell everyone about the happenings in Bethlehem for fear of Herod’s son, [see Luke 2:19].}
Today Bethlehem lies in what used to be called the West Bank of Israel and as of Dec. 1995 came under Palestinian control. Its not the sleepy little village with cattle, sheep and the Inn many invision of it. It now has a population of 50,000+, crowded with many churches and institutions vying to be closest to the birthplace of Jesus.
The Church of the Milk Grotto, in Bethlehem is where traditionally Mary spilt some of her breast milk. According to legend Mary and Joseph was hurrying to leave Bethlehem for Egypt, when she stopped to breast feed the baby Jesus and in the rush spilt some of her milk which turned the stone white. for 100's of years, Christian and Muslim women alike have come here to pray to Mary and to get some of the white stone to eat in hopes of being able to produce milk. You can still purchase some of powdered. This also the tradional burial place of the innocent babies killed by Herod.
The following pictures courtesy of http://198.62.75.1/www1/ofm/sites/TSbtmenu.html
First is the outside of the Church of the Milk Grotto, next is the inside


Nearby is the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary convent known as the White Sisters for young orphan girls and providing a kindergarten, Family Care Center and a hostel.
Click here for Street maps of Bethlehem

>>>add topography, photos and brief history to date later<<<