We left the beautiful Sea of Galilee and headed east for Cana to see the church which is on top of the original house where Jesus's first miracle of changing water into wine occurred. We have many couples in our group and they renewed their wedding vows today - complete with a certificate from the church! Next we were off to Megiddo. This is an ancient city. There are 25 cities one built right on top of the other. The last was vacated in the 4th century BCE. You will have heard of Armageddon - that is the final war, a war between good and evil, between all the kings, all the nations found in Rev. 16:16 "Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon." An interesting city on a hill that is at the crossroads of all travel in the middle east.
From there we went to Nazareth, the city where Jesus grew up. There we found the most beautiful Greek Orthodox church with the spring that was the purpose for the town. Nazareth's root word in Hebrew is grandfather - as in the grand fathers of Jesus, those of the past. Wow!
Then we visited the Basilica of St. Mary where countries from around the world have sent their depiction of Mary. Took a picture of the one from the US.
Sorry the picture is on its side. Can't fix it on this computer. Finally, we were on our way to Jerusalem. Staying until the 17th here. Beautiful hotel. OH!! Saw muskrats in the Jordan River yesterday as people affirmed their baptism. Soooo cute.
Blessings. On to Bethlehem tomorrow.
Oh I hope and pray that your itinerary will allow you to visit with the good Lutherans in Bethlehem and that area, Kate! Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem has a welcoming International Center. The Lutheran Christians there long for visitors, and they have much to teach us. Don't take "no time" from your guide; insist on a stop for a cold drink or coffee with the Lutherans.
ReplyDeleteIn Jerusalem you can visit Redeemer Lutheran Church - and there are five congregations in the area! They have much to teach us! Blessings on your learning and your travels. In peace, Ann Hafften