Morning prayer in Nativity Cave and… “see you in Heaven!”

I could start this post with “I wake up early and…”, but in fact I didn’t have to get up early. I got dressed, tried to comb my naughty hair and went out. Which time already? I’ve walked this way many times before. So I walk though still empty market, next to slowly opening little shops, some random people and I get to Church of the Cradle – the Nativity Church in Bethlehem.

Pomegranate in Arabic church

A few-hours long feast liturgy amongst louder and louder songs. Why do they keep singing louder? What do the candles in the sand mean? Who can receive Communion?