Christmas Cave Example Near Bethlehem 2

Bethlehem lies along the ridge of the Judean Mountains (2,543 feet/775 meters above sea level), five miles south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Because of wind and rain, small caves are common all along the ridge. Shepherds still make use of such caves today. During hot weather, the caves are a cool place to rest. They provide shelter during rain showers and cold weather. In the winter, the caves can be treated like barns, where sheep and goats can be held until the heavy rains subside. That Jesus was born in such an environment only emphasizes the lowly nature of his birth. Note, too, that mangers in these caves are carved out of the natural stone. Because of its location along the ridge of the Judean mountains, trees are scarce and stone is plentiful. We might envision a manger made of wood, but Jesus was almost certainly placed in a stone feeding trough filled with new hay. This video may also work to illustrate the life of David, who was from Bethlehem, and of Ruth, who moved there with her mother-in-law Naomi.