The Middle East, where Christ was born, has been a troubled region for thousands of years.  Jerusalem means “city of peace” or “foundation of peace,” but the history of that celebrated city has been a continuing story of war and destruction.

Biblical prophecies said peace would finally come and be brought by a child who would be born of a virgin: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), adding: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called ‘Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6).