Memories of the Holy Land

I'll never forget my trip to Israel many years ago.   Seeing Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, The Sea of Galilee, Garden of Gethsemane and other places in the Holy Land.  

Jerusalem was our first stop on the bus tour then on to see the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Dome of the Rock. Arrived in Nazareth the home of Joseph and Mary.   

We had many places to see on our tour and such a short time to visit. Another area in the Holy Land that grabbed my attention was when we crossed a bridge over the Jordan River. Today many Christians are being baptized in this river.  “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River” (Mark 1:9 NIV).

Bethlehem was one of the most treasured places we visited. One of my favorite souvenirs was an olive wood nativity from Bethlehem. I recently wrote a  children’s book The Olive Wood Manger and it’s full of pictures of this nativity. 

After touring several ancient sites, we went on a small boat across the Sea of Galilee. Enjoyed a delightful Saint Peter’s fish dinner. Much of the ministry of Jesus occurred on these shores. 

Visiting the Garden of Gethsemane still brings back a time of solitude.  The garden is at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Walking where Christ walked was the highlight of this trip and a place I'll always remember every time I read God's Word.