Places Not To Be Missed On 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.

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.

Jesus performed miracles and chose fishermen at the Sea of Galilee, so it is high on the list of places to see while in the area. Visitors are often surprised to learn that the sea is actually a large freshwater lake that provides half of Israel's water supply. Guests are invited to take rides in vessels built in somewhat the same manner as those used in Jesus' time.

Bethlehem, located in Judea, is one place most Christians want to visit. Anyone going into this area should be aware that it is disputed territory. Since it is the birthplace of Jesus, most risk the possible danger in order to walk in Shepherd's Field and imagine what it must have been like when the angels announced the coming of Ch.

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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