A Christian Journey To Jerusalem
Most Christian have a desire to visit the Holy Land some day
. Because much of their faith has deep roots in this area, it is a place where Christians can learn more about the culture of Bible days, meet people of that culture, and walk where Jesus walked.Jerusalem holds special significance for Christians who come from all over the world. People of every faith come to visit Jerusalem annually. However, most of them are Christians who are thrilled to see the place where much of the Bible was played out. Consequently, many of the attractions, souvenirs, and tours are specifically designed for those who are of the Christian faith.
One of the first places that Christians enjoy visiting is the Old City of Jerusalem and its four quarters, which are surrounded by eight gates. The four quarters consist of the Christian Quarter, the Arab Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter. Each quarter has different attractions and sites to visit that will prove interesting. Bear in mind that the environment of each quarter is different and it is best to get information about each before visiting so you will know what to expect and where to go.
The last remains of the Jewish temples that was built more than 2,000 years ago is the Western or Wailing Wall. This wall provides the boundary between the Temple Mount of the Muslim Quarter and the Jewish Quarter. Many Christian tourists visit here, due to the historical and holy significance, where prayers have been placed into the cracks of the wall. This is a place where many will stop to meditate, reflect and pray to God, with some leaving their own prayer request within the wall.
The Western Wall Tunnel Tour takes you through the underground parts of the Western Wall and is especially intriguing to those interested in history and archeology. This tour shows the progression of the Temple Mount from the first temple period to today. The Temple Institute is another amazing place to visit where most of the ritual tools used in the holy temple have been reconstructed. Here you will find a book store, museum and a short movie describing the temple instruments.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is considered the holiest Christian site in the world. The church is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City and is the location of the Via Dolorosa, or The Way of the Suffering. The Garden Tomb is located here and also, you will find a trail of fourteen Stations of the Cross, said to be the path that Jesus walked from the time of his arrest until the time of his resurrection. Inside the Church of Resurrection are the last five stations. Walking in the path of Jesus is something that Christians thoroughly enjoy and remember for a lifetime.
In the Armenian Quarter of Old Jerusalem is a fortress inside the city wall beside the Jaffa Gate called the Citadel. Excavations indicate that it may date back to the Herodian empire and it has been a fortress of protection for hundreds of years. The St. James Cathedral, also in the Armenian Quarter, is one of the most beautiful of all the churches in Jerusalem. Built over the tomb of James the Apostle, it was built in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The vespers service is amazing, as the seminary students of the Armenian Orthodox seminary chant each afternoon from 3:00 - 3:30 PM, producing a moving and beautiful tone that is unforgettable. The inside of the building is lit by hundreds of oil lamps hung from the ceiling. There are no seats, but the floor is laden with thick Oriental rugs.
Dating back to the takeover of the Babylonians in 586 BC, the City of David has the ruins of the most ancient area of Jerusalem. Here, you will find 13th century BC walls, along with fragments of King David's palace. The Mount of Olives contains many interesting places to visit, with recommendations to travel to the top of the mount by taxi and slowly make your way through the points of interest as you make your descent. A few places you can visit on the slopes of the Mount of Olives is the Church of the Pater Noster, Cave of Gethsemane, Tombs of the Prophets, and the Mosque of the Ascension.
There are places to eat and stay within each of the four quarters of Old Jerusalem and also within Modern Jerusalem. There are hotels of every size, shape and cost in Israel to meet the traveling needs of everyone. There are many choices of hotels in Jerusalem, making this an easy task. The spiritual journey you experience in Jerusalem is one that will stay with you the rest of your life.
by: Tomer Harel The Best Striping San Diego: Ada Compliance Is Critical Tips To Getting The Best Parking Lot Striping Explore The Adventure Of India Christmas Gift Ideas Buying Information About Christmas Presents A Wonderful Christmas Day with Tiffany Latest Information About Christmas Stocking Fillers Kerala - The Best Place For Vacation Enjoy International Tours Avoid Fear For A Healthy Halloween Kerala Beach Holidays - Experience Of Lifetime Unique Ways To Dress Up Your Holiday Party Five Countries You Really Must Visit If You Travel