Bethlehem

St Jerome called Bethlehem: “The most sacred spot in the world for us, indeed for the whole world.” Although that sacredness remains, Bethlehem today is a sad place, hemmed in by Israeli walls and bypass roads. Its people are so welcoming and aware of its standing in the hearts of so many throughout the world. Bethlehem had a long history before the birth of Jesus. It is a town of hotels, souvenirs and restaurants and a town where people from all over the world gather to remember the story so familiar to all. No-one could ever be certain of the exact site of the manger or inn or stable, but what is important in this little town, is the remembering and retelling. All that made more poignant by its title as the City of Peace.