samedi 29 juillet 2017

Some Must See Sights For Christians Taking 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.

One of the first things most Christians want to do when they come to Israel is to walk the Via Dolorosa. It extends from the Lions' Gate located at the Muslim Quarter to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at the Christian Quarter. This is the path many believe Jesus took on the way to Calvary on His last day. The route incorporates the fourteen stations of the cross. Finding the plaque indicating a station can be difficult. Tourists are encouraged to take advantage of guided tours.

The walk ends at the Old City and the Church of the Sepulchre. This is the spot known as Golgotha or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. Many believers feel that Jesus' tomb is located beneath the ancient church, which has been the final destination for pilgrimages as far back as the fourth century. The church welcomes visitors to browse respectfully.

One alternative burial site is the Garden Tomb. This shrine has become an increasingly popular spot for Protestants to come and spend time in contemplation and prayer. The tomb was only discovered in 1867 and now welcomes visitors to explore its 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 is in disputed territory, so visitors have to take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to include it in their vacation planning. Most take the risk to see the place where Jesus is believed to have been born. Visitors to Bethlehem can stand in Shepherd's Field where the angels announced the birth of Christ.

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.

The Holy Land is a special place for Christians. Traveling in the area is more like a pilgrimage than a vacation. Those lucky enough to see the places Jesus may have inhabited, never forget the experience. Many find a renewed sense of commitment and dedication to His teachings that last a lifetime.




About the Author: