By Kathleen Nichols

This Advent, I had the privilege of filming a unique virtual pilgrimage called Star of Wonder: Advent Virtual Pilgrimage of Life. Over the course of seven episodes, I walked many of the most significant paths related to the Christmas story — from ancient ruins to vibrant Christian communities—capturing stories that reveal both the beauty and the struggle of Bethlehem today.

Each week of Advent led us to a new place: the remains of the ancient city of Hippos, the quiet fields of the shepherds, Herod’s looming fortress, the caves where Saint Jerome translated the Bible, and the grotto of the Nativity. But even more moving were the encounters with the people living and serving in Bethlehem today—artisans, educators, doctors, and religious—all of them keeping the light of Christ alive in the city where He was born.

The series includes:

•⁠ Advent Begins: Do Christians Still Live in Palestine? – From Hippos to Effetà Institute

•⁠ ⁠First Sunday of Advent: Light from Bethlehem – From Kathisma Ruins to Piccirillo Handicrafts

•⁠ Second Sunday: The Baby King Triumphs – From the Herodium to the Crèche Orphanage

• ⁠⁠Third Sunday: The Word Made Flesh – From Jerome’s Cave to Bethlehem University

•⁠ Fourth Sunday: Swaddling Clothes – From Shepherds’ Fields to Holy Family Hospital

•⁠ Christmas: Story of Silence and Survival – From Ein Hanya to Gaza’s Holy Family Parish

•⁠ ⁠Epiphany: Returning by a Different Way – From Mar Saba to Caritas Baby Hospital

To accompany the videos, we’ve also created a downloadable Advent Calendar with daily Gospel readings, short prayers, and reflection questions. I hope it helps you pray and prepare your heart with a renewed sense of hope.

Walking through these places in person reminded me once again of the historic reality of the Christmas story— and how much we can learn from the Christians living this Good News in Bethlehem today.

If you want to learn more about these inspiring Christians who live in Bethlehem and virtually visit some of the key places related to the Christmas story, you can register for the virtual pilgrimage through this link:

 https://www.magdala.org/advent/advent-2025 

Or follow it directly on YouTube: Magdala English. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz2oefOL1kw&list=PL7E0hsLxte24wNt5BdlE_5yxvOE1raOjn

I hope this series brings you closer to the mystery of Christmas, just as it did for me.