Plate 1 - Bethlehem in Early Spring

It was a day I shall never forget. We arrived on the hill overlooking Bethlehem while it was yet dark. What would it have been like the day Jesus was born? Snowy, wintry paradigms would soon melt away with the rising of the sun.****

The beautiful hillside was covered with new red poppies. The greens were vibrant and fresh. In the distance a donkey started braying and here and there a dog was barking. The rooster started crowing and the land began to awaken. Nearby a flock of bleating, spring lambs could be heard. The ancient wall before us seemed to frame old Bethlehem. The date was April 6th, the true birthday of Jesus.****

Years later this would become the photograph of Bethlehem used in the Church's publication of the scriptures.