Bethlehem is one of my favourite places - but when it snows it can be very cold indeed. My first visit to Bethlehem was in January 1989 and I huddled against the wind that brought driving snow to the Judean hills.

The town is 3000 feet above sea level and the wind swept across the barren, stony hills. It was good to go into the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square and especially into the cave that 2000 years ago was the stable of an inn in Bethlehem. It was here that Jesus was born and on this January day it was wonderful to be in the warm - no wind, no draughts, just warmth from the candles and oil lamps that constantly burn there.

Back out into the wind and down onto the hillside below Bethlehem. This is the area known as the shepherds' fields and it was where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. In the midst of the rock strewn hill is the Arab Christian village of Beit Sahour. It was very cold as the wind whipped up sleet and then snow. I remember with gratitude the kindness of the Greek Orthodox parish priest who welcomed me into his home, gave me coffee and then showed me the beautiful church that is in his care.

All my subsequent visits to Bethlehem - except one - have been in spring, summer or autumn, when sunlight has danced off the shepherds' fields and the dusty streets of Bethlehem have sparkled.

The one other winter visit was in 1996. It was a time of great hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Bethlehem had come under the control of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian flag flew everywhere - from house windows and in bunting across the streets. In Manger Square people walked and talked where a few months earlier I had seen Israeli soldiers guarding their headquarters, behind sandbags and steel fences.

Bethlehem may not be the most beautiful town in the world but it is a vibrant place and I like it very much indeed – both for its friendly people and because it was here that the Saviour of the World was born.