Bethlehem is in the Palestinian controlled West Bank and Jesus was born here in a cave or Grotto. Today, the Armenian, Greek Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches manage this place and the worships are conducted in three different formats. A Star is engraved in the cave underneath the Church of Nativity. It is declared as one of the UNESCO's World Heritage sites. The place is solemn and quiet and I saw some people getting emotional which is understandable. 
Nazareth is the city where Jesus spent most of his adult life and got baptized in the river Jordan near the sea of Galilee. Today Nazareth is the town with modern buildings and monasteries owned by the Catholic and other Christian denomination's Churches. Basilica of the Annunciation has a display of the images of Madonna donated from all countries of the World. We also visited the small coastal city Capernaum with its small synagogue where Jesus preached.
The sea of Galilee is actually a beautiful fresh water lake. Had a great Mediterranean lunch in a nice restaurant called St. Peter's on the banks. Stopped at the river Jordan where Christians can have baptism and there are priests who conduct this on the serene banks of this beautiful river.
Today, I am remembering the places, history, the life of Jesus, people who lived in that epoch, dead sea scrolls, the connection and the continuation of history. The ancient paths have changed, technology has improved, wars, famine, intolerance, oppression continues yet there is always optimism that humanity will prevail as long as love and compassion remain.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANUKKHA!
PEACE ON EARTH
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