The historic city of Beit Sahour, whose name is associated with "the place of the night watch", is located just one kilometer east of the city of Bethlehem. This name is linked to the story of the shepherds who stayed up at night to guard their flocks. On the night of the birth of Jesus Christ, an angel appeared to them and directed them to the star hovering above the Nativity Grotto. According to the Gospel, "suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men'."
In ancient times, the Canaanites were among the earliest inhabitants of Beit Sahour, leaving behind numerous caves scattered throughout the natural landscape. Today, this city is home to many churches and monasteries.
Some of the most important of these are built on the Shepherd's Field, Ruth's Field, and the Well of the Lady (also known as the Church of the Virgin's Well). This area holds deep religious significance for Christian pilgrims, in remembrance of the angelic apparition to the shepherds, the story of the Moabite Ruth, and the passage of the Virgin Mary through this place.