27 juillet 2017

Some Top Places To See For Christians On Their First Holy Land Vacations

By Gary Edwards


For Christians a trip to the Holy Land is an experience not to be missed. Most would love to spend a few hours looking out over the Sea of Galilee, walking the Way of Sorrows, and visiting the Garden Tomb. Tourists coming to this area usually want to see as much as possible to get a feel for what it must have been like when Jesus walked, taught and died here. Holy Land vacations are a great way for Christians to see some of the places they have read about.

The Via Dolorosa is the path believers say Jesus was taken on the way to the cross. Visitors can take the same walk and stop along the way at each one of the fourteen stations of the cross. It begins at the Lions' Gate in the Muslim Quarter. Most advise tourists to join the Friday procession or take a guided tour because some stations of the cross can be difficult to spot.

When the Way of Sorrows ends, visitors find themselves facing the Church of the Sepulchre. Most stop to visit this holy site in the Old City. It is where the crucifixion took place and is identified biblically as Calvary or Golgotha. Many believe the tomb of Christ is located below the church which has been the destination of pilgrims since the fourth century. The church is open to the public but there are areas that are off limits to visitors.

The Garden Tomb is one of several places historians believe Jesus may have been buried. It was discovered in the middle nineteenth century and has become an especially popular place for Protestants to spend time in prayer and contemplation. Visitors are welcome to explore the double chamber.

The Sea of Galilee is where Jesus performed a number of miracles and gathered local fishermen to become His disciples. The Sea of Galilee is not actually a sea at all. It is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. For those interested, there are boat rides available that take guests on tours in vessels similar to the ones used in the time of Jesus.

Bethlehem, believed to be Christ's birthplace, is an important destination, but can be a risky one. It is in Judea, which is currently disputed territory. Visitors who decide to take the risk are allowed to spend time in Shepherd's Field. This is traditionally believed to be the place where Christ's birth was announced by the angels.

Jesus spent His early years in Nazareth, and visitors to this town near Mount Tabor can see the spot where Gabriel appeared to Mary to give her the news that she would give birth to the Son of God. The original church built to commemorate this holy event is gone, but in the 1950s a new church was erected in its place.

A trip to the Holy Land is an experience not to be missed for those who have the chance. It is a place sacred to many. Most visitors come away with a renewed commitment to their faith and a clearer sense of Jesus' life.




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