For the first time, a residential building from the time of Jesus has been exposed, in the heart of Nazareth. An archaeological excavation recently conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority adjacent to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth - where the traditional Christmas Mass takes place on December 24 - has uncovered remains of a dwelling that date to the Early Roman period. According to excavation director Yardenna Alexandre, "The discovery is of the utmost importance since it reveals for the very first time a house from the Jewish village of Nazareth and thereby sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus.