Yes, there are sheep in Bethlehem. Right here in the middle of town. There is not too much grass in the metropolitan center of the city of Bethlehem, but thre are still some small flocks that take advantange of what grass there is. This is proof of that in living color.About 6 tenths of a mile from here is the spot that is venerated as the birthplace if Jesus. It is a rather grandiose church these days. In fact it is one of the oldest standing Christian churches in all of Israel. when the Muslims came and conquered the Holy Land, they spared the church in Bethlehem because it had mosaics of Persian nobles on the walls. So the church was spared and stands today. it is mainly owned by the Orthodox Church, but access is granted to all. There is a Catholic church next to the main church which is maintained by the Franciscan priests who have legal custody over the shrines of the Holy Land.
When Mary and Joseph were unable to find suitable shelter in a simple house, they were directed by a kind soul to a part of the town where there were some sizable grottos in which the shepherds took shelter on a regular basis. They used these shelters to protect themselves and some of the weaker animals from the harsh changes in weather. These caves, or grottos, as you prefer are rather ample. They are high and fairly deep. Some of them are perhaps about 100 square feet in area as well. They are far from being five star Hiltons, but they do provide protection from heat, cold and rain. The one that was used by Mary and Joseph no doubt was used to shelter animals also since it is traditional that Mary laid Jesus in the manger, or one of the mangers, that happened to be in the cave it appears that the animals would have been fed here.
It is evident from the picture that a fairly short human could stand here quite comfortably. Abe Lincoln would have had a hard time, but not the average shepherd of two thousand years ago.
Join us to come and see for yourself. It is an experience that you will never forget.
