Jesus of Nazareth speaks: This is the 33rd year since my birth, and in my travels I have come to Bethlehem several times. But, this is the first time I have been here on the night of my birth. I felt drawn here this year, for somehow I instinctively feel I will be unable to visit it again. I know those who oppose me seek to silence me, and I fear before long they may succeed.

But, I did not come here to reflect on such thoughts. I have come to see once again the place where my mother brought me into the world. Over the years it seems it has changed little, if at all. There is a new owner of the caravansary, and the cave. He, too, keeps his animals here.

My mother has related the story to me many times: The shepherds on the hillside, the angelic announcement, their hurried trip into Bethl…