CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 304, 24 December 1898, Page 3 (Supplement)

CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM.

The nocturnal offices of Christmas in Bethlehem begin with a pontifical mass, celebrated in the Franciscan Church, which adjoins the old basilica. On these occasions the robes worn by the celebrant and his assistants are of the most gorgeous splendour. This first ceremony ends a little oefore lnidtugnt. Immediately after the conclusion of the mass a long procession is formed and begins its inarch toward thcgrotto of the nativity. At the head of the column is borne ,x nuigirfv'-e'it processional cross, and following it come Franciscan monks, seminarians, chanters and hosts of others, all bearins- lighted tapers. Last in the line of clergy is the Patriarch, and behind him are the dignitaries of State.

The line of lights is interrupted by the Patriarch, for in place of a taper he carries a beautiful bambino, or wax infant. He holds it with infinite care. The image rests in a cradle upon cushions of rose coloured silk embroidered with gold. Rich and weblike laces are draped about the cradle. But with the image are borne also a tiny bed of straw and a crown of thorns.

When the procession has crossed the transept of the basilica the Patriarch pauses before the nook of the nativity. He gives the cradle and image "to a deacon and begins to chant St. Luke's account of the birth. When he comes to the words that speak of Christ's birth he takes again the cradle and places it on the spot, inserting at the same time the word 'here' into the narrative. While he says 'wrapped it in swaddling clothes' the Patriarch again takes the image and folds the laces about the figure, and afterward throughout the account he makes the story profoundly impressive by moving' from place? to place nnd repeating by his gestures the significance of the sacred words. The services continue until about two o'clock in the morning, and are ended by chanting the Te Deum. For all Bethlehem the night is a time for festivity. All the city flocks to the basilica, those who cannot find room within camping in the courts without, made glar! by the sweetmeats so dear to Oriental hearts and palates.