Our Day Three Adventure was unforgettable as we visiting Be’t Shean, travelled through the Samarian and Jordan deserts, and then arrived at Bethlehem.

The Stunning Site Of Be’t Shean

The site of Be’t Shean (pronounce BET SHEE-ahn) was stunning.  This place was continuously occupied for 6000 years due to its strategic location where two major trade routes crossed.  During the Roman occupied era, it was one of the cities of the Decapolis, mentioned in the Gospels.

You are touching biblical history at Be’t Shean. King Saul died fighting the Philistines within sight of this city, and then the victors celebrated by hanging his body on the walls here (1 Samuel 31).  Later, Jesus travelled through Be’t Shean, and the demon-possessed man Jesus healed came here and testified of Jesus’ mercy and miraculous powers (see Mark 5:20).  That verse ends, “and all the people were amazed.”  Experiencing the Bible’s story coming to life as we see Be’t Shean still does that to all the people on our trip.

“Let Us Go And See This Thing That The Lord Has Told Us About!”  Visiting Bethlehem

Bethlehem was also a visit with more than we expected.  First, we had the experience of entering Palestinian-controlled territory (the West Bank).  It is hard to think of any other description than entering a prison.  The Israelis have encircled Bethlehem and most Palestinian communities with high walls, watch towers, and guards.  Obstensively to stop terrorism, the real-life impact has been to chock a city into poverty.  The number of Christian who have emigrated out of Bethlehem since the wall went up in 2002 is over 20,000.  There are very few left outside of the church staff themselves.  I cannot speak to the politics or the complexity of this situation, but from the ground level, human perspective, it is truly sad to see walls surround the birthplace of the One who cam to knock down the dividing wall of hostility (see Ephesians 2:14-15).

Yet, in the midst of this, we found a wonderful gift shop, run by the same Christian family whose father was instrumental in revealing the Dead Sea Scrolls to the world.  In fact the very jar that held the sacred scroll of Isaiah-the most famous and complete of the scrolls–is on display in the store as a gift of gratitude from Israel to the Candoo family.

When we arrived at the Church of the Nativity there was a festive atmosphere.  A lot of pilgrims were ready to celebrate Christmas that day with us!  The low door invited a humble, reverent atmosphere.  Being inside such an ancient, magnificant building, with exquisite 4th century murals and remarkable frescos on the walls confirmed that feeling.  Then it was our time to descend the steps to the ancient cave when “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” (John 1:14).  We were indeed moved as we experienced the glory of the place and the meaning of Jesus entering our world.

I will never forget it, and I will never stop thanking God for loving us so that He sent His Son into the world (John 3:16).