Bethlehem, the Birth Place of Christ

BETHLEHEM, THE BIRTHPLACE OF CHRIST

Cementing their hold in Palestine, the British forces that captured Jeru-

salem have established guards at Bethlehem. The British forces have taken

measures to safeguard all the shrines in Jerusalem and all the holy places

nearby. This photo shows the Church of the Nativity, built where Jesus

was born in Bethlehem. In the foreground is the market place that has been

an open square as far back as history and tradition reach. The church in

the background is flanked by three monasteries, two of which can be seen,

one on the left and the other extending towards us on the right. It is

thought that the center structure is the one erected here in the year 320 by

the Emperor Constantine. According to Jerome, who lived here shortly

after its construction, this church was undoubtedly built upon the site of

the Bethlehem kahn or inn where Christ was born.