Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem, Israel)
City:
Bethlehem
State, Province, Region, or District:
West Bank
Country:
Israel
Overview
The Church of Nativity is generally accepted as the authentic site of where Jesus was born, and the Word became flesh. There is evidence of multiple churches built over this site to commemorate this monumental event. The location of Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity are on top of Tel Bethlehem. Under this area is ancient Bethlehem.
Bethlehem is also where King David lived before becoming King of Israel. In addition, a cave complex connected to the cave where Jesus was born is also the location where Jerome lived while translating the Bible from Hebrew to Latin, the language of the Roman Empire.
Alternate Names
Church of the Nativity; Basilica of the Nativity
Geography & Location
The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem, about 6 miles (9 km.) south of Jerusalem. It is right beside Manger Square and Manger Street.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Bethlehem means House of Bread.
Architecture
The first basilica on this site was built by Emperor Constantine I, on the site identified by his mother, Empress Helena. The Constantinian Church consisted of a square basilica divided by four rows of nine columns into a 9-meter-wide nave with two aisles on each side. Excavations revealed a mosaic floor above the original columns, indicating that the Constantinian church underwent some modifications before the Samaritan destruction. Over the Grotto of the Nativity stood an octagon. At the center was an opening into the cave itself, into which worshippers could look from behind a rail. Later alterations to the bedrock in the grotto destroyed the original entrance. The plan of the church corresponds to the martyrium type, structures derived from the monumental mausoleums of the Roman emperors.
Biblical & Historical References
Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Christ (Micah 5:2).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Christ. Christ fulfilled over 200 prophecies regarding his first coming. The fulfillment of prophecy proves that Christ was the Son of God and that the Bible is inspired.
Site Visit
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 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.
Places of Interest
Manger Square is located directly west of the Church of the Nativity.