From Jerusalem we take a nearby trip to Bethlehem, the place where Jesus Christ was born. Our journey takes us to Manger Square which is surrounded by the Mosque of Omar, the Palestinian Peace center the church of Church of Nativity of which some may recognize as the oldest functioning church in the world. The Church of Nativity was built in the 4th century and was extended during 6th century. Some of the original mazaic flooring exists today. Entering the Basilica of the Nativity we go creep through a low doorway called the “door of Humility”. On the walls we can see golden mosaics with 30 of the 44 pink limestone columns of the nave of the church which were embellished with decorations by the Crusaders. Below the church, there is a grotto which has an engraving in Latin stating “Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.” You will also find in the church a chapel of the manger and the altar of the Adoration of the Magi. (The three Wise men).

This small and peaceful chapel is located close to the Nativity Church in Manger Square. Tradition has it that while Mary was nursing Jesus, a few drops of milk spilled to the ground turning the rocks white. The church is believed to be where Joseph, Mary and Jesus took refuge before their escape to Egypt. The grotto’s name is derived from the belief that a drop of Mary’s milk spilled onto the ground of the cave and turned it completely white. In fact, the milky white rock covering the grotto’s interior has a magical power. For ages, childless woman of many religions have made a pilgrimage to the Milk Grotto, in order to ask for the gift of an offspring. Some of the pilgrims will take the stone powder with them and give it to the people who cannot have children.