Walking Through Bethlehem This Advent: A Personal Journey
- Notre Dame of Jerusalem
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
By Kathleen Nichols, CWRC
December 8th - Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
This Advent, I had the privilege of filming a unique virtual pilgrimage in Bethlehem— the very place where Christmas began— called Star of Wonder: Advent Virtual Pilgrimage of Life.
Over seven video episodes, I explored sacred sites connected to the Nativity and met inspiring Christians who still live and serve there today. Their steadfast faith, hope, and charity in the face of so many challenges deeply inspired me and helped illuminate my own spiritual journey as I prepare for the coming of Christ.
Each week of Advent led me and my team to a new place: the remains of the ancient city of Hippos, the quiet fields of the shepherds, Herod’s looming fortress, the caves where Saint Jerome translated the Bible, and the very grotto of the Nativity.
But even more moving were the encounters with Bethlehem’s living stones: the Christian people living and serving in Bethlehem today—artisans, educators, doctors, and religious—all of them keeping the light of Christ alive in the city where He was born.
The series we made includes:
• Advent Begins: Do Christians Still Live in Palestine? – From Hippos to Effetà Institute
• First Sunday of Advent: Light from Bethlehem – From Kathisma Ruins to Piccirillo Handicrafts
• Second Sunday: The Baby King Triumphs – From the Herodium to the Crèche Orphanage
• Third Sunday: The Word Made Flesh – From Jerome’s Cave to Bethlehem University
• Fourth Sunday: Swaddling Clothes – From Shepherds’ Fields to Holy Family Hospital
• Christmas: Story of Silence and Survival – From Ein Hanya to Gaza’s Holy Family Parish
• Epiphany: Returning by a Different Way – From Mar Saba to Caritas Baby Hospital
To accompany the videos, we’ve also created a downloadable Advent Calendar with daily Gospel readings, short prayers, and reflection questions. I hope it helps you pray and prepare your heart with a renewed sense of hope.
Walking through these places in person reminded me once again of the historic reality of the Christmas story — and even more so, how much we can learn from those incredible Christians living in Bethlehem today.
If you'd like to learn more about the inspiring Christians of Bethlehem and virtually visit key Christmas sites, there is still time to register for the virtual pilgrimage here
Or follow it directly on YouTube: Magdala English.
I hope this series brings you closer to the mystery of Christmas, just as it did for me.
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