Posted on 12/26/2018 4:38:37 PM PST by marshmallow
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem on Monday for what was believed to be the biblical West Bank city’s largest Christmas celebrations in years.
Hundreds of locals and foreign visitors milled in Manger Square as bagpipe-playing Palestinian Scouts paraded past a giant Christmas tree. Crowds flooded the Church of the Nativity, venerated as the traditional site of Jesus’s birth, and waited to descend into the ancient grotto.
Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maaya said all Bethlehem hotels were fully booked, and the city was preparing to host an “astounding” 10,000 tourists overnight.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
I’m pleased for them. I hope everyone is buying carved olive wood religious articles from the local craftspeople. I bought “Good Shepherd” figurines for my choir members one year from the “Holy Land Crafts” vendor who came to my parish.
I've heard that happened about 2,000 years ago too.
History is prophecy.
Still “No room at the Inn”
The beginning and ending ports were from essentially Rome, Italy and the largest contingent of passengers were Asians, many Japanese.
Some were Koreans either from America or Canada (mostly Christian as So. Korea is very Christian, thanks to the American influence spreading Christianity during the Korean War.)
I was delighted to realize so many Asians are at least interested in visiting the various Holy Land sites from scripture.
I did my level best, as did my fellow tour attendees, to help the area by making as many purchases as possible, since we weren’t actually staying in Israel this trip. One great merchant is owned by the Nissan family that sell lots of items from Olive wood but also jewelry depicting the twelve tribes represented in semiprecious stones in pendants and the Jerusalem or crusader’s Cross.
I’m glad you had a nice trip. 50% of South Koreans are Presbyterian, I understand. One of my daughters is dating a Korean young man; she said she plans to go to church with him next Sunday. “Just like going with your grandmother!” I said. “Say the prayers, shake hands with the nice old people!”
Billy Kim brings a large youth choir through the United States at least annually. These kids are very talented, though not surprising considering so many concert musicians are currently on staff in many of the US’ finest Symphonies.
Billy Kim brings a large youth choir through the United States at least annually. These kids are very talented, though not surprising considering so many concert musicians are currently on staff in many of the US’ finest Symphonies.
Beth-Lehem: House of Bread.
“I am the Bread of Life.”
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