Bethlehem is the place, according to the descriptions of the Bible, where the manger was located in which Jesus of Nazareth was born, and that Christians usually recreate through various decorative compositions throughout the month of December.
Therefore, mentioning Bethlehem is referring to the manger or “birth” where Jesus was born.
However, Bethlehem is a city that actually exists in Palestine and is located in the West Bank region, 9 km south of Jerusalem. Its name, Bethlehem, derives from the Hebrew “בית לחם“ or “Bet Léḥem” which means “house of bread.”
It is custom and Christian tradition to exhibit in the homes, as well as in the various public spaces, the people of Bethlehem and in this one highlight the manger composed, mainly, by Saint Joseph of Nazareth, the Virgin Mary, the Child Jesus, the ox, the Mule, the announcing angel and the three wise men with their respective camels.
The Star of Bethlehem is also placed , which represents for Christians the star that guided the Magi to the manger where Jesus was born.
The representation of the ancient town of Bethlehem and the manger is an important and symbolic tradition for Christians at Christmas. Its preparation and representation is used to perform in family and among loved ones.
In reference to what was described above, according to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a city that was then under the command of César Augusto, Roman emperor, who issued an order to conduct a census in which all people owed check in.
Therefore, St. Joseph and his wife, who was pregnant, moved from the city of Nazareth to the city of David, Bethlehem (now Bethlehem) to register, since Joseph was a descendant of David.
However, on the night of the trip Mary gave birth to her son in a manger, finding no place for them in an inn. After this fact, Bethlehem became an
In another order of ideas, Bethlehem is a city that stands out thanks to the large number of pilgrims it receives each year, both Christians and Muslims and Jews. Approximately, four centuries after the birth of Jesus, they erected the city as a religious center.
That is why Christians pilgrim to Bethlehem, thanks to the writings in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, who mention this town as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.
Likewise, the Jews arrive in Bethlehem because it was the place of birth and coronation of King David, and who was the ancestor of Joseph of Nazareth. One of the most sacred places in Bethlehem, for the Jewish religion, is Rachel’s grave.
Unfortunately, Bethlehem is currently used to make news because of the large number of conflicts that develop between Israelis and Palestinians. Moreover, the city is surrounded by a wall in order to avoid terrorist attacks.
