Table of Contents
What events happened before Jesus birth?
14 Events of the Nativity
| Event | Location |
|---|---|
| Christ’s Birth Is Prophesied | Ancient Jerusalem and Ancient America |
| The Angel Gabriel Visits John the Baptist’s Parents | Judea |
| The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary | Nazareth and Galilee |
| Mary Visits Elisabeth | Judea |
What happened in Bethlehem in the Old Testament?
According to the Gospels (Matthew 2; Luke 2), Bethlehem was the site of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Christian theology has linked this with the belief that his birth there fulfills the Old Testament prophecy of Israel’s future ruler coming from Bethlehem Ephrathah (Micah 5:2).
What was the original name of Bethlehem?
Ephrath
The city of Bethlehem, located in the “hill country” of Judah, was originally called Ephrath (Genesis 35:16, 19; 48:7; Ruth 4:11). It was also called Beth-lehem Ephratah (Micah 5:2), Beth-lehem-judah (1 Samuel 17:12), and “the city of David” (Luke 2:4).
What was happening in Bethlehem when Jesus was born?
The Gospel says that the star of Bethlehem subsequently leads them to a house – not a manger – where Jesus has been born to Joseph and Mary. Overjoyed, they worship Jesus and present gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
How long was Mary in Bethlehem before Jesus was born?
And let’s not forget: Mary was nine months pregnant. In his Gospel on the birth of Christ, St. Luke was sparing on the details of Mary and Joseph’s trip.
Does Bethlehem still exist?
Since the 1995 Oslo Accords, Bethlehem has been administered by the Palestinian Authority. Following an influx of refugees as a result of Israeli advances in the 1967 war, Bethlehem has a Muslim majority, but is still home to a significant Palestinian Christian community.
Why is Bethlehem so important?
Bethlehem is the cradle of Christianity, the site of the Church of the Nativity, which contains an underground cave where Christians believe Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable. A 14-pointed silver star beneath an altar marks the spot and the stone church is a key pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims alike.