Church of the Nativity

Second only to the Holy Sepulcher, it’s no wonder the Church of the Nativity is one of the most popular places to visit on Christian Holy Land tours as it was built on the site of Jesus’ birth. The Church of the Nativity is actually built over a cave that is believed to be the bottom floor of a 2-story house. Back then, humans would have lived on the top floor and animals would have lived below. Though often referred to as an "inn" in the Bible, it was actually a "guest room" attached the house. When Joseph and Mary arrived for the census, this room was already full, which was why Mary and Joseph were told to stay downstairs with the animals. Surely this is a must-see on your tour to the Holy Land. Luke Chapter 2:1-7 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirini-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.