Come to Bethlehem and see…

Today, we had the entrance of the Latin Patriarch (the local bishop) into the city of Bethlehem.  He entered on Star Street, which is the ancient road that travelers from Jerusalem (such as Mary and Joseph) would have used.

After arriving at the Church of the Nativity, we prayed Vespers together in Latin, then got a chance to meet him briefly in the receiving line.

Church of the Nativity (tower and star)

Bagpipes?!

The arch in the wall to the old city of Bethlehem

Patriarch Fouad Twal

Incensation at the Magnificat, First Vespers of Christmas

 

We have received the message, not from the angels but from the Apostles, handed down through the centuries.  Now we have come to Bethlehem to see, to wait in joyful hope, and to know the love of God for us.