Bethlehem

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David's Well found in Bethlehem?

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View to Bethlehem from Mar Elias.

Cisterns in the Church yard

Deep beneath the modern surface of Bethlehem lie ancient cisterns that some have linked to a famous longing of King David. These rock-cut reservoirs provide a tangible connection to the biblical narrative of David’s thirsty soldiers breaking through enemy lines to bring him water from his hometown.

Experience the video

Watch the video below to explore these underground chambers and see the archaeological legacy of this biblical memory.

A Taste of Italy in Bethlehem: Lunch at the Casanova

Forget the standard tourist fare; some of the best comfort food in Bethlehem comes with a side of monastic charm. At the Casanova Guest House, located just steps from the Church of the Nativity, we sat down for a legendary Italian lunch that felt like a bridge between two worlds.

The star of the show? Nun-crafted, homemade spaghetti. This isn't just pasta; it’s an immersive culinary tradition brought to the hills of Judea by the Franciscan community. Perfectly al dente and served with a rich, authentic sauce, it’s the ultimate “soul food” for a weary group of explorers.

To top off the meal, we were served a basket of tiny Jericho bananas. Grown in the tropical microclimate of the world’s lowest city, these miniature fruits are famous for being incredibly sweet and creamy. It was the perfect, sun-ripened finish to a Mediterranean feast.

The historic dining room of the Franciscan Casanova Guest House near Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.

Dine on fine china featuring the coat of arms of the Custody of the Holy Land.

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A Christmas card

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A Christmas card

What a year! We saw lions rise from the tall grass to begin the hunt. We listened to the soaring of prayers and the whistle of an icy wind rising over the cusp of Kilimanjaro. We sang carols in the church where Jesus was born. We walked across Galilee—twice. And we stroked the face of the dying.

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Wisemen wafers

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Wisemen wafers

We are busy here at the Bible Land Explorers’ headquarters chewing the magoi. So far we’ve noted how Jesus was born in a Cold War (see here) and how the magoi were savvy politicians with a reputation for king-making and king-breaking (see here). As Christmas morning approaches, however, we lean toward something more festive: wisemen wafers!

Enter the idea of the eulogia.

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Christmastide pilgrims

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It may seem odd to be thinking about pilgrims at Christmastide. But it is fitting. Pilgrimage is for every season. There is never a wrong time to undertake a journey for the purpose of encountering God. Most pilgrimages are unexpected and topsy-turvy experiences. Sometimes they get messy. Ask Paul the Apostle. Whom did he expect to meet on the road to Damascus? Or ask the Christmas shepherds. After they heard the angelic announcement, they said:

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened" (Luke 2:15).

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Jesus Trail, Jan 3-10, 2017

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Thousands of sightseers view the land of the bible through the window of a tour bus. A few seek a deeper experience. If you are among the latter group (or know someone who is), I invite you to try Galilee on foot. There is no better way to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the Heartland. For those who are veterans of a standard study- or pilgrimage-tour, this may be the perfect way to build upon that previous experience.