Bethlehem
Episodes 5, 7, 21, 28 and 33
Oh little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie...
Did you know that this is the first line of a very well-known
Christmas carol? The town of Bethlehem is also well-known
because it is the place where Jesus was born. In the Hebrew
language Bethlehem means ‘House of Bread’ and you can see where
Bethlehem is on our map.
Just before Jesus was born, the Roman Emperor decided to hold a census to count all the people and collect taxes. Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem because that was where Joseph’s family came from. You can see the story of Jesus’ birth in Episode 5, True Heroes and read about it here or in Luke 2:1-38.
Mary and Joseph stayed in Bethlehem and when Jesus was a small child, some Wise Men visited him. First, they stopped in Jerusalem and told King Herod about the star that had guided them and the new king who had been born; then they travelled to Bethlehem to see Jesus. You can read the story on our website here or in Matthew 2:1-18 and it’s in Episode 21, Hostages.
Bethlehem is mentioned in other Bible stories too – Samuel anointed Saul as King in Bethlehem. That story is in Episode 33, Rome Alone and you can read the story here or in 1 Samuel chapter 9 and 10:1-16.
It’s also the town where David was born. One day, when David had grown up, he wanted some water to drink. Three of his soldiers went to the well at Bethlehem and brought him some fresh, clear water. You can see this story in Episode 28, School’s Out and read about it here or in 2 Samuel 23:13-17.
Part of the story of Ruth and Naomi takes place in Bethlehem. You'll find the story of Ruth and Naomi in Episode 7, Lost in Alexandria. Naomi left Bethlehem with her husband and children but when they died Naomi came back to Bethlehem with Ruth, her daughter-in-law. Ruth met Boaz and later they got married in Bethlehem. Boaz and Naomi had a son called Obed who is the grandfather of King David. You can read the story of Ruth and Naomi here or in the Book of Ruth which is in the Old Testament part of the Bible.
Bethlehem today is a busy city and many people go there to visit the Church of the Nativity which is thought to have been built on the site where Jesus was born. People also visit the field that the shepherds were believed to be in when the angels came to tell them about Jesus.
Click the pictures to see a larger version - you might want to save or print them too!
To find out more, read...Jesus' Birth and the Revelation to the Shepherds – Luke 2:1-38
Herod and the Wise Men – Matt 2:1-18
Samuel anoints Saul – 1 Samuel chapters 9; 10:1-16
David and Three Soldiers – 2 Samuel 23:13-17
Ruth and Naomi – Ruth 11:1-22; 2:1-16
and watch Friends and Heroes...
Jesus' Birth and the Revelation to the Shepherds - Series 1 Episode 5, “True Heroes”
Herod and the Wise Men - Series 2 Episode 21, “Hostages”
Samuel anoints Saul - Series 3 Episode 33, “Rome Alone” David and Three Soldiers - Series 3 Episode 28, “School’s Out” Ruth and Naomi - Series 1 Episode 7, “Lost in Alexandria”