“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:7)
Highlights of the feast
December 24
Bethlehem*, Church of Nativity -
Noon: The Patriarchal procession leaves from the Old City in Jerusalem to the Monastery of Mar Elias, and proceeds thence to the Church of the Nativity via the Bethlehem checkpoint. Midnight: The Midnight Mass is held at the Church of St. Catherine followed by a procession and visit to the Grotto of Nativity.
December 25
Bethlehem*: During the day, Masses are celebrated in the Church and in the Grotto. Shepherds Field*: Special Christmas Mass is celebrated at 14:00 hours. Christmas services are held in various Protestant churches in Bethlehem*, in Shepherds Field - Beit Sahour* and in Jerusalem (A,P).
Related sites worth visiting:
*Under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority.
Visiting the site/s may require special arrangements, including coordination for transportation and guides