A high point of 2017 for me was an opportunity to visit Bethlehem. On my first trip to Israel about 20 years ago, my group was not allowed to go to Bethlehem because of ongoing tensions with Palestinian Arabs. Checkpoints for the West Bank still have signs posted warning Israelis that is dangerous to enter there. Even so, I was eager to see Jesus’ birthplace on the trip in March led by Kentucky Baptists.

Todd Deaton/WR
Chapel of the Angels in Bethlehem
Todd Deaton