Tradition says that because “there was no room in the inn” Jesus was born in a cave. Understanding the geology of Israel makes the location of the birth of Jesus more focused. In the north of Israel and the area of Nazareth, where Jesus spent his boyhood, it is unlikely to find caves, although there are some. The more common rock in the area is basalt, a volcanic type of rock that is hard and not easily worked.
In the area of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, which are only five miles apart, the type of rock is limestone which is easier to work and naturally forms caves as water erodes the softer rock. It is in one of these caves, that shepherds used as a sheepfold, that tradition says Jesus was born.
Today, if you visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and you are willing to wait in line to descend into the grotto, you will see a star situated in a niche that is supposed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Whether or not is a matter of speculation.
Knowing the type of rock that exists in various places in Israel helps confirm the veracity of the biblical record.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Carl Rasmussen at http://www.HolyLandPhotos.org
Clay Norman 