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The Herald, December 22, 1980

CHRISTMAS decorations were nearly completed in Bethlehem yesterday as the town prepared for a flood of holiday pilgrims to the traditional site of Christ’s birth.

Israeli officials said they expected about 30 000 visitors on organised Christmas tours, slightly lower than in previous years.

Flags and pennants hung over Manger Square in preparation for the pageantry that ushers in Catholic celebrations on Wednesday afternoon, Ziana-AP reports.

Israeli security, as in the past, was expected to be tight around this town in the occupied West Bank of Jordan. Officials have announced that no one will be allowed into Manger Square on Christmas Eve without a pass from tourism authorities. Each visitor will have to undergo a body search for weapons.

Celebrations climax on Christmas Eve with Pontifical High Mass in St Catherine’s Cathedral under the roof of the Crusader-built Church of Nativity.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

• Religious tourism gives countries like Israel a major boost to their economy, although not all Israelis are Christians.
• Apart from the Lord Jesus’ birth place, Israel also attracts religious tourists to places like Jerusalem (the place where the first and second temples) were built; the river Jordan where baptisms are performed, mimicking the Lord Jesus’ baptism; Golgotha; the empty tomb; Mount of Olives; Nazareth, etc.
• According to the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, “Bethlehem is brimming with optimism this Christmas season.” It adds that “hotels are inexpensive, the food is excellent and the Church of the Nativity has recently been renovated.”
• Religious tourism is “when a person travels to a pilgrimage site primarily based on their religious beliefs.”
• Weather patterns make it possible for some countries to have religious tourists throughout the year.
• Countries like Nigeria have also copied the phenomenon, in order to boost their revenues.
• Tour guides are well-trained and well versed in what each site means.