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?

Your answer

In winter it’s icy. In summer pleasantly fresh. In some countries there is plenty of it. In others they are few. Sometimes simple and with white walls (this is how I like it the most), and sometimes stuffed with columns, altars, paintings and severe faces of stagnant statues. The church. They are also some where you won’t find pews and everyone sits on the ground. It can be a symbol of calmness or art or boredom.