The "Door of Humility"
When I visited Bethlehem, we toured the Church of the Nativity which stands on the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Originally commissioned by Constantine and his mother in 327, it is the oldest major church in the Holy Land. Beneath the main altar of the church is a cave with a silver star on the floor. The inscription around it reads, “Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary.” Every day pilgrims get down on all fours to kiss the star.
Entrance
As we approached in line at the main entrance, I was surprised by the tiny entrance through which tourists must pass to see the basilica. After the Crusades, the tall arched doorway was reduced to only 4 X 2 feet because looters on horse and camel-back would drive right into the church with their carts to rob. The new entrance repelled thieves and forced even the most important visitor to dismount from his horse and stoop to enter the holy place. Soon it became known as the "Door of Humility."
Lessons of the Door
The "Door of Humility" is symbolic on many levels:
It is a fitting entrance to a church commemorating the newborn King who later described himself as "gentle and humble in heart."
It illustrates that both great and small must humbly stoop to enter the presence of the Lord of lords and King of kings.
The door is narrow and the only access for the average tourist; in the same way we must pass through the narrow gate for eternal life. Jesus said, "I am the gate [for the sheep]; whoever enters through me will be saved (John 10:9a); and "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6b).
Nativity
As we exited the church, we walked by a larger-than-life nativity scene (depicted in photo above). The artistic craftsmanship was impressive--I wanted more time to take it all in! Each figure in the nativity can be described as humble—the Christ Child, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi who bowed low to present their gifts. The scene drew me in to worship, but all too quickly our tour guide hurried us along.
This advent season, let us remember that the "Door of Humility" is the way of Christ. Will we follow the path He walked?
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the son of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King !"