Bethlehem

Church of the Nativity-traditional birth site of Jesus Christ

Milk Grotto-site dedicated to Mary, Jesus Christ's mother. It is a tradition that they moved to this grotto after Jesus was born. There is a story that as Mary was feeding her baby, some of her milk spilled and turned the red rock into pure white chalk rock. It was such a beautiful spot where we sang hymns and really felt the spirit.

There was a catholic priest who talked to us for a little bit. He showed us his office where there were over 3,000 success stories of sick children, couples who couldn't have children, and other stories where they were healed by eating chalk dust from this grotto. It was really cool seeing all of the successful miracle stories.

After this we went to eat at a tent restraunt in Bethlehem. It was really good, authentic food. :) I also got to eat with my cousin, Mary!

After this we went to Shephard's Hill overlooking all of Bethlehem to have a Christmas Program. This was the best part of the day, in my opinion, and I really felt at peace with everything I had learned about the story of Jesus Christ being born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. It was a great night and the program we had was very beautiful. I was in a group of 4 who sang "In wondering Awe" and it just turned out to be a wonderful night of reflection about our Savior's young life.

I got a cute Bethlehem baby blanket from a local shop and I just couldn't stop thinking about how much I look up to Mary for raising Jesus. In my patriartical blessing it says I will be a "blessed and remembered mother". I thought about ways I could pattern my life after Mary's to prepare for my fugure children. It got me very excited to one day have a child and to fully understand what Mary and Jesus had to go through. I'm thankful for my parents and their unconditional love and dedication to raising my siblings and I and being competely involved with us. I cherish the one-on-one memories I have with my Dad and Mom and I'm sure lucky to have such great examples in my life! i love you Mom and Dad!

It was such an amazing day :) So grateful to be here.

XOXO, alyson :)