Israel

Jesus Christ was born 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, in Israel.

Jesus is the reason for the season

It is HIStory (his story)!

Just like many places aroud the world at Christmas time, the streets of Bethlehem, are strung with Christmas lights, there is a Christmas market and Christmas plays are performed.

However, there are celebrations of Christmas that are special to Bethlehem and in keeping with the traditions of the Holy Land. These consist of multiple services and processions led by many different Christian denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Ethiopian, Armenian and more.

On Christmas Eve, hundreds of people watch dramatic annual procession. Galloping horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses lead the parade. They are followed by solitary horseman carrying a cross and sitting astride a coal-black steed. Then come the churchmen and government officials. The procession solemnly enters the doors of the Church of Nativity,and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the birth of Jesus.

Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square.

Bethlehem Christmas celebrations stretch for a long period, as different denominations celebrate Christmas on different days:

• Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on December 25;
• Greek, Syrian and other Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 6; and
• Armenian Christians celebrate Christmas on January 18.

What is the true meaning of Christmas?
Wouldn't you really like to know?
It's more than cards, and gifts, and candy,
and men made out of snow.
It's to celebrate the birth of Jesus,
the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
So when you carry on tradition,
don't forget the most important part --
put Christ back into Christmas,
and keep Him in your heart.

Read another poem about the True Meaning of Christmas