Sketchbook Art - Bethlehem

I have been lucky enough to have been in the town of Bethlehem on Christmas day.  It was one of my parochial school kid's dreams come true.  Our Jewish mother tour guide took us to the Church of the Nativity on Christmas night.  The line was hours long to go down to the cave where the baby Jesus was born, but our guide knew of a secret door that is only open on Christmas. We followed her down and viewed the glorious Nativity scene--surround by chicken wire, just in case someone wanted to take baby Jesus home.  As we sang Christmas carols on our way back to the hotel, the brightest star I have ever seen shined over the land.  On this blessed day, Merry Christmas to all.