What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
It's considered a place of interest for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. But for centuries the site has also been disputed and has seen its fair share of conflict.
Bethlehem was also another important Biblical figure's birthplace: a shepherd boy named David, who would become king of Israel.
The Hebrew prophets Isaiah and Micah predicted that the Messiah would be a descendant of David, so it makes sense that Jesus was also born in Bethlehem, right?
While the Amarna Letters might not be considered enough evidence of the existence of Bethlehem in Biblical times, in 2012 solid evidence dating back to the 8th or 7th centuries BCE was found.
The Jewish matriarch Rachel is buried on the road at the entrance of Bethlehem. It is mentioned in Genesis 35:19. "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)."
However, there is not enough evidence to prove that this is indeed the case. Some scholars believe "Bit-Ninurta" is actually a reference to a place called Beth Horon.
In one of the letters (Amarna Letter 290), which was sent from the ruler of Jerusalem, there is reference to a place called "Bit-Ninurta." Some archaeologists interpret it as being Bethlehem.
The Amarna Letters are tablets that contain correspondence from Egypt's pharaoh with foreign rulers.
Bethlehem has been inhabited by many different peoples throughout history, and as such its name has different meanings in different languages.
As for Arabic, Bethlehem means "house of meat." This is believed to be a reference to the animal husbandry and meat production that took place in the area.
Not only was King David born in Bethlehem, but he was also anointed there.
Bethlehem as we know it comes for the Hebrew words for "bread" and "house," and essentially means "house of bread." But since both "bread" and "war" come from the same root in the language, it can also be interpreted as "house of war."
Excavations in Jerusalem unearthed a piece of an administrative seal that mentioned the word "Bethlehem." It's believed to have been used to stamp tax shipments to the kings of Judah. Though some doubt remains as to whether the seal was from Bethlehem of Judaea or from Bethlehem of Galilee, the latter being where Jesus was born.
Although the Status Quo helped settle these tensions, unfortunately things get out of hand occasionally. This is what happened in 2011 between Greek and Armenian monks.
The rest is shared between the Roman Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Control over the church has been divided between the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic Churches over centuries, with some having been favored over the others, depending on the rulers at the time.
The larger shareholder is the Greek Orthodox Church, which holds around 80% of the Church of the Nativity.
The three churches follow the Status Quo instituted by the Ottoman Empire in 1852, which ensures everyone is able to conduct their services by following a schedule.
A fight broke out between the two groups on the borders of their respective areas. Essentially, "with each side accusing the other of encroaching on parts of the church to which it lays claim."
Today, there is a general consensus that Jesus was born in the grotto under the Church of the Nativity. Being such a coveted place for Christians, its ownership is actually shared by a number of denominations.
A century later, Jesus was born. Nativity scenes depict baby Jesus in a stable and manger, but was Jesus really born in such a place? Probably not.
It is believed that Jesus was born in a cave/grotto, where the Church of the Nativity was built upon. These caves were commonly used as shelters by shepherds back then.
The number of Christians declined to 12% in 2016, and is likely lower currently.
Pope Francis has also addressed this issue, saying, "We will not resign ourselves to imagining a Middle East without Christians."
In 1950, over 85% of Bethlehem's inhabitants were Christians of various denominations. This number has been decreasing considerably over the years.
The Church of the Nativity has suffered its fair share of damage over the centuries. In 641 CE, the Persian Empire invaded the Byzantine Empire's territories, which included Bethlehem. As they prepared to loot the Church of the Nativity, their commander, Shahrbaraz, came across something unexpected.
Shahrbaraz came across a mosaic depicting the Magi (also known as the Three Wise Men), who apparently were Persian Zoroastrian priests. As a result, he spared the church.
And then we have the Armenian Apostolic Church, which uses the old Julian solar calendar, with the holiday being celebrated on January 19.
Bethlehem sees the birthday of Jesus being celebrated on different dates. The Gregorian calendar marks December 24-25 as the celebration dates. Roman Catholics famously celebrate the holiday on this date.
The use of gold or silver thread on a base pattern creates a unique design, reminiscent of embroidered garments worn by Byzantine priests.
Sources: (Grunge) (The Washington Times)
See also: Exploring the fascinating history that is Jerusalem
Bethlehem is known for its distinctive style of embroidery, that is often used in wedding dressings.
The Revised Julian calendar has the Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches celebrating Jesus' birthday on January 6-7.
Browse through the following gallery and learn some fascinating facts about Bethlehem.
Fascinating facts about Bethlehem, the city that celebrates Christmas three times a year
Learn more about the birthplace of Jesus Christ
LIFESTYLE Religion
Bethlehem is most famously known for being the birthplace of Jesus. Located in the West Bank, the city is home to iconic religious sites, such as the Church of the Nativity and Rachel's Tomb. And while Bethlehem attracts thousands of Christian pilgrims each year, it's also an important place in Judaism and Islam.
Browse through the following gallery and learn some fascinating facts about Bethlehem.