The birth of Jesus Christ is described in the holy books of Christians called the gospels. In particular, the evangelists Matthew and Mark narrate about this great historical event. The birthplace of Jesus is the city of Bethlehem.
Bethlehem is currently in the Palestinian National Authority. The city is located near Jerusalem - eight kilometers away. This small town, with a population of just over 25 thousand inhabitants, covers an area of only six square kilometers. Bethlehem is one of the oldest cities in the biblical Canaanite lands. It was founded around the XVII - XVI centuries BC.
In New Testament times, the city of Bethlehem belonged to the region of Judea, which is why the Gospels indicate that Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea. The Holy Scriptures of Christians thus narrate about the birth of Christ. During the reign of the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus had a decree on the overcrowding of the population. Virgin Mary with the betrothed Joseph had to go from Nazareth to Bethlehem in order to fulfill her public duty. All the relatives of Mary and Joseph were assigned to the city of Bethlehem. Therefore, it was here that the Mother of God went with Elder Joseph. These people did not find a place in the hotel, so Mary and Joseph stayed in the cave where the shepherds drove the cattle. It was there that Jesus Christ was born.
In the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled that the Messiah was to be born in Judea. In particular, the prophet Micah predicted several hundred years before the birth of Christ that Bethlehem would become the city of the birth of the King and Messiah - Christ.
The exact date of the birth of Christ is unknown. Modern secular as well as church scholars say that Christ was born approximately 3-5 years before Christ.
Now over the Bethlehem cave, in which the famous gospel event took place, there is a temple in honor of the Nativity of Christ. It was built in IV during the reign of the Roman Empire by Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine. The birthplace of Christ is marked by a special star.
At present, Bethlehem is considered one of the holy Christian places with universal significance. The city is still visited by many tourists and pilgrims in order to see with their own eyes the birthplace of Christ. The city, located on rocky hills, still has some kind of biblical time. Despite the fact that Bethlehem was significantly completed, it still preserves the ancient nature. For example, ancient cypresses and olive trees grow in the city. Travelers can see the shepherds walking their cattle on the streets of the city. The whole face of modern Bethlehem seems to breathe antiquity, and is currently witnessing a great historical event.
