The name of Bethlehem

In its earliest origin the name might be derived from Lackma, the mesopotamian deity of flora and fertility, a name that has come down to us in the creation story of Enuma Elisch. Throughout successive cultures Bethlehem was known as a place of fruitful growth. The romans already established a place of worship for Adonis in a wooded area close to the cave of the nativity. In the Old Testament this particular fea ture of Bethlehem is reflected in the region, Efrata, which also means fruitful.

The name Bethlehem is hebrew and originates from the bible; the term beit Lechem is arab and is used by the present-day inhabitants of Bethlehem. Both the words Beth and Beit stand for house. Lechem meat and Lehem is the word for bread in hebrew. The name thus means: house of bread or house of meat. The name of the town therefore points to the place, where a stranger is welcomed and where amidst a semi-desert countryside there is food in abundance.

The church of the Nativity

The church of the Nativity is one of the oldest church buildings of the world. Still more important is the fact that since Justinian in the early sixth century services have been held there without a break. The first durable church structure was built to the order of the emperor Constantin early in the 4th century after christianity had been established as a religion in the roman empire. This was the result of a request by bishop Macarius of Jerusalem at the first Ecumenical council in Nicea in 325. in 326 Constantin’s mother Helena travelled to the Holy Land visiting places which had been of importance in the life of Jesus.

She was shown a cave outside Bethlehem which according to early traditions amongst christian communities was held to be the birth place of Jesus. St. Luke’s gospel says that Jesus was laid in a manger, as there was no room in the inn. Matthew’s gospel mentions a house where Joseph and Mary were staying at the arrival of the three Magi from the East. Justinus the martyr mentions that the manger was in a cave. Many shepherds in the area kept their animals in caves overnight. Also there was a tradition in Palestine to build houses on top of caves. Normally these houses consisted of one single room which was used for eating, sleeping and living. Often the space was divided into different levels, the bottom level to keep the animals. In this way luke’s commentary that “there was no room in the inn” for Joseph and Mary may have referred to the overcrowded upper level and the two found a space below with the animals. The common notion that the place of the manger was in a stable is part of a western tradition.

The special feature of the Church built under Constantin was an octagonal tract with a central opening giving access to the cave of the nativity below. To the west of this there was a large basilica and next to this an atrium with pillards which opened in the direction of the town of Bethlehem.

When this church was rebuilt in the sixth century under Justinian the basilica was enlarged, furthermore three Apsides were built on that spot where formerly the octagonal structure had stood. The access to the cave of the nativity was facilitated by a staircase and the devout enabled to meditate in this place on the mystery of God was made flesh.

The services in the Church of the Nativity follow the Greek Orthodox tradition. The Eastern liturgy is the basis of inspiration for the oriental christian. The liturgy appeals to all human senses; the eyes of the faithful admire the beauty of the holy icons. His ears listen to the hymns. The incense surrounds him with an aromatic scent; by way of symbolic action his body glorifies the creator and his spirit is lifted up for the adoration of the heavenly father.



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