Church of the Nativity

Expect to wait in line to get down to the area where the "manager" area supposed birth place of Jesus. Like the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, more than one Christian denomination share ownership. It is also a active "functioning" church with multiple services which can delay when you get into the area. In February, it was 1 to 1 1/2 hours wait. If you have difficulties standing for long periods of time and or difficulties with stairs, you may want to skip this. These buildings where built a long time before places were designed with the disabled person in mind. Also the manger area is small and cramp, so if you struggle with crowds or claustrophobia I would not recommend this site. Also do not expect to spend very much time in that small area, with so many trying to get in to see it, you are most likely getting pictures to view later. (In and Out). That being said, it is still a must see for pilgrims. Most of the sites consider Holy or sacred have a church over them. It became obvious after several stops in our tour. I had a unique experience there. Our tour guide made arrangements for a couple people on our tour who were having mobility issues (could not stand for long periods of time) to go through the back way and down (the out exit) for a view and out where they could rest. My room mate was one of those persons, the other we found opted to stay on the bus. So I went with her. She was reluctant to go, when she saw the stairs with no rails, but between the guide and I we got her down. There was a tour group there and it hot (in February) and felt chaotic. Then suddenly we were there alone with an exception of a priest on the side. I could see on the entrance way in, feet and an arm keeping them back (I think to keep from descending until the other tour cleared out.) So for a few moments (it felt longer) we had this place to ourselves. That to me was an amazing gift and a rarity for modern pilgrims. We did not stay long, so others could tours could get it. But I am still in awe of that. Our guide retrieved us and got us to a cafe to wait out the rest of the group. I am glad of the experience, which is why I rated it Excellent.

The Church of The Nativity is located in Bethlehem and is unfortunately located behind the walls of the Palestine area. In my mind, The Church of the Nativity with it's below-ground grotto/cave marking the birthplace of the Infant Jesus Christ, is second only to the Church of The Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as the most sacred spot of Christianity in the Holy Land. Almost always crowded with reverent pilgrims, there are long lines, and often conflicts with scheduled religious services either Christian or Orthodox. Still, it is a "Must-See place for any trip to the Holy Land