Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee

Day 1 – We docked in the Port of Ashdod, and were quickly acclimated to the heightened security that Israel is forced to live under. Unlike the other countries on our visit, soldiers were on our boat checking passports in person before issuing a temporary visitation card. We were then again checked before leaving the ship to confirm our identification and have our bags searched. Evidentially, I must look like a threat because at each port, I was “randomly” screened and thoroughly searched each time I entered or exited the ship. Megan, because she was with me, was subjected to the same treatment. It became a running joke after the third consecutive time. At first, I thought it was a bit overboard, but after learning more about the area and the history of this amazing country, I completely understood and was happy to oblige.

After clearing security, we boarded our bus and headed for Jerusalem. We didn’t have time to actually enter the Old City, as no cars are allowed, but we did get to view it from the Mt. of Olives. From there we could see the sight of the original Temple, which has long since been destroyed and replaced by a Muslim Mosque, the Dome of the Rock. Its garish golden crown is easily visible among the ancient limestone buildings and churches; a distressing reminder of how arbitrary our culture and very history can be altered. In fact, the Muslims even put a graveyard in front of the city doors, called the Golden Gates, in a preemptive move based on the scripture passage that states Christ will return through those very gates. As if he won’t be able to pass through a Muslim cemetery……they obviously don’t know who He is!

Megan and I both agreed that we would return one day and actually enter the city and follow on the same path that Christ carried the cross. Our guide pointed out the place he was convicted and beaten and the hill he was crucified on, Golgotha. It was a moving moment for both of us. From there, we went down to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was betrayed. Inside the church was the supposed stone that Christ was praying on that very night. In fact, on all the Holy sites, churches have been built in honor and reverence to the momentous acts that occurred there. Many were originally constructed by Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, who first accepted Christianity as a religion in 333 A.D.. Helena traveled extensively, did research, gathered artifacts and commissioned numerous churches throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.

Next we went to Bethlehem, which is a Palestinian occupied territory. Our guide had to act like part of the group, as they weren’t allowed in by the Israeli government. You see, all Liberal Jews, (65% of the Jewish population) have to serve in the military for three years after turning 18.Therefore, the government doesn’t want to worry about any x-military being kidnapped by the Palestinians, who would no doubt ask for 50 criminals to be released for his safe return. As a side note, this is one reason why you don’t want to mess with Israel……over half the population has been trained in combat!

As we passed through the checkpoint, guarded by a massive stone wall, decked with razor wire and heavily guarded, I began to understand the seriousness of the situation. On the other side, the wall was covered with graffiti…… an eerie similarity to the Berlin wall, albeit that this wall is for security as opposed to oppression.

Even though it was intimidating entering a Palestinian occupied territory, it was absolutely worth it to visit the Church of the Nativity and to see the very spot that Christ was born. We stopped at a shop in advance to buy relics that we could have blessed at the church. Normally the line into the small room of the birth, which even has the area where his manger stood, was around the block and would have been too long for our tour. However, fate smiled on us and we were able to get right in. I was able to place the items I purchased on the very spot of our Saviors birth and say a personal prayer over them and the recipients whom I plan to give them too. It was something I had never dreamed was possible, and I could barely get up off my knees to allow the next in line their own special moment.

I could go on and on about the history and culture of this marvelous and significant city. It is some place that everyone should visit, regardless of your religious affiliation.
Day 2 – It was impossible to beat day 1 in Israel, but we tried. We headed to Nazareth, the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. Again, the religious history was fascinating and informative. The main highlight of our day was the town of Capernaum, the place where Jesus lived after his baptismal, and quite possibly the sight of the very first “Christian Church” ever. We got to the remains of Peter’s house and the hill where Christ delivered the Beatitudes. Jesus definitely had an amazing view of the sea as he preached. Just like in the garden, He truly seemed to appreciate his Father’s beautiful creations. Megan and I separated away from the tour, partially because our guide wasn’t entertaining at all, and partially because we wanted soak up the beauty of the land and sea.

We are sailing to Turkey today, sad to leave Israel. We definitely plan on coming back, even though we were issued an official certificate from the Mayor of Jerusalem stating, “By this attestation be it known that (name), by virtue of fulfilling the Biblical calling, has ascended to Jerusalem, the Holy City, Capital of Israel and is henceforth authorized to bear the title of Jerusalem Pilgrim.”