Picture Gallery

 This aerial photograph shows the main road to Bethlehem from the north (Jerusalem).  The modern city stretches out from the historic center in all directions.  Today Bethlehem is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and has a population of about 22,000 not including the suburbs of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.

 Shepherd with FlockThe area to the east of the city is traditionally believed to be the area of the fields of the shepherds "keeping watch o'er their flocks by night."  Several churches have been built to commemorate this event.   Even today local shepherds can be seen tending their flocks in this same area (even on Christmas eve!)

 This building is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land.  Originally built by Constantine's mother in the 4th century, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the current structure in the 530s.  It was apparently spared destruction from the Persians in 614 A.D. because the invaders saw the depictions of the Magi on the walls.  Local Muslim-Christian friendship is believed to be why the church was not destroyed during al-Hakim's rule in 1009

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 Birth PlaceAccording to tradition, Mary gave birth to Jesus at the place of where the star is located on the floor.  The tradition that the birth was in a cave is one of the oldest Christian traditions.  Justin Martyr mentions it in the mid-2nd century, as does the Protoevangelium of James (also 2nd c.).  Origen notes that the cave of Jesus' birth was pointed out in his day and no doubt this was the same place where the Byzantine church was erected.

NW shoreline of the Sea of Galilee (from vol. 1)


 Mt. Gerizim from Shechem ruins 

(from vol. 2)

 Mt. Zion aerial from south

(from vol. 3)

 

En Gedi Waterfall (from vol. 4)



 Kazneh at Petra (from vol. 6)


 

Bubastite Portal with Shishak's City List (from vol. 7)
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