The Pilgrimage is the best way to discover the Holy Land & understand the Gospels, reading passages at the Gospel sites connected with them….I am happy to provide a place to share my experience from best of the Holy Land Tour 2008. I hope this help capture some precious memories of the Holy Land! I had a great time!! A few highlights from the trip (limited space):
I have had the privilege last year, October 2008 of being one of the Delegates of Dubai Holy Tour 2008 to experience the Holy Land, located in Israel, the place where God broke his silence and began speaking to man; where the prophets delivered the Word of God to a people in order to ready them for God’s intervention in the human race; where Jesus was born, lived, preached and died a violent death for our ransom and from whence he ascended back to his father, the same God the Father. You will never read or hear the Scriptures the same again once you have stepped on the ground upon which Jesus lived and died and ascended. What better experience is there for the believers in one’s lifetime. So scared is this place early pilgrims over the centuries literally walked untold miles to get the Holy Land. The names of these sacred places are illuminated constantly in our hearing while scriptures are opened for us at worship. It’s a trip of a lifetime guaranteeing lasting memories. A perfect taste of heaven here on earth.
ON THE ROAD OF CHRIST - a journey of FaithFriday, Oct 03: Arrival at Amman airport. Transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Amman, Jordan. The flight from Dubai to Jordan buzzed with anticipation. We were finally going to Israel, the land of Jesus and the prophets of long ago. We touched base in Jordan at 6:30 pm. The weather was cold as we ambled out of the airport and into a waiting bus for a half an hour bus ride to Region Hotel at Jordan. Our schedule for the next few days would be hectic; after all, we didn’t come this far to stay indoors. We need to stay for one night in Jordan.
Saturday, Oct 4: Mt Tabor, Jordan River BaptismEarly in the morning we headed to Israel border to finally get in the area. I'ts Somewhat kind of scary…. It is just like saying… "We shouldn't be here". Israel Immigration was very tough in terms of security in allowing any tourist, that means you will undergo and present all the entry requirements and need to pass the immigration and have your visa stamp!
After a very scary securitization from the Israel Airport we headed to the city of Jericho. While driving towards the Temptation Restaurant, we halted briefly at the tree of Zaccheus. We recollected how when Jesus was passing by, Zaccheus had climbed the sycamore tree to see Jesus, who then asked to stay at his home. We took our lunch at the temptation restaurant,Jericho . Lunch was followed by a ride to Mount Tabor while passing Mount of Temptation. A taxi picked us up from the base of the mount and took us to the Transfiguration Church, built over the spot where Jesus was transfigured and met Elijah and Moses. We then headed Jerusalem to Astoria Hotel for dinner.
Sunday, Oct 5: Sea of Galilee, Boat ride, Mt Beatitude, BaniasWe descended the mount and headed to Capernaum, where Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes and fed 5000 people. We then visited St. Peter’s house and the Church of the Primacy of Peter at Tabgha on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. The church commemorates Jesus' reinstatement of Peter. A flat rock inside the church known as Mensa Christ, or Christ’s table, is where Jesus dined with His disciples. We recollected various events in Peter’s life at these sites. and fed 5000 people. The Sea of Galilee is where Jesus chose the apostles, calmed the storm and walked on water. We took a boat ride over the sea. We hoisted the Philippine flag on board and we sang the national anthem. We could feel the mighty presence of God at this sea as we sang and danced for the Lord. The Sea of Galilee beckoned us to try a delicacy known simply as St. Peter’s Fish. The Church of Beatitudes was next on the itinerary. This is where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. The view from the church was spectacular, with lush hills and the Sea of Galilee in the horizon. We prayed to God, praising Him for everything He had created. In the afternoon, we headed up the Golan Heights to the Springs of Banias (Matt 16:13-20), also known as Caesarea Phillippi where Peter said "Thou are Christ". we drove to the traditional Baptism site at the Jordan River. We then drove onto Nazareth for dinner and overnight.
Monday, Oct 6: Cana, Nazareth, Mukhraka, Haifa, Caesarea, JerusalemVisited Nazareth (Luke 1:26-28), known as Jesus' town or the boyhood home of Jesus, the Church of Annunciation and Mary's Well. We continued on through the area to Cana ( John 2:1-11), site of Jesus’s first miracle of turning water into wine and celebrate the renewal of marriage vows. We then headed to Haifa, Israel’s largest port city, built on the slopes of Mount Carmel. We visited the famous Persian Hanging Gardens and made a brief halt at Elijah’s cave at Stella Marris. Visiting these Biblical places that we had read and heard about since we were little kids was enough to stir our souls. The heavenly view around us made it all the more special. A cool breeze blew over us, pilgrims as we pray, reviving both soul and body. We drove down the coast to Caesarea (Acts 10:9-20), capital of the Roman province, and saw the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct built by King Herod. Drove to Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem
Tuesday, Oct 7: Mt. Olives, Gethsemane, Kidron valley, BethlehemWe started Day five with a visit to the Mount of Olives. This where the Lord’s prayer – ‘Our Father’ is carved in marble in every language of the world. I of course, read the Our Father in visayan dialect. A very powerful anointing rested on everyone present as we prayed the prayer to our Heavenly Father. The experience will remain etched in our memories forever. We then walked to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus sweated blood as He experienced grief and agony for the cup of suffering He would have to drink for our many sins. We too entered the garden and knelt as Jesus did. The presence of our God in this place was tremendous. After lunch, we visited Shepherd’s Field. We sang shepherd songs here giving glory to God. Fellow pligrims could not resist the music and joined in. We then drove through the Kidron Valley to St. Peter in Gallicantu built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas. We continued to visit the Upper room (Luke 22:14-20). Drove south to Bethlehem (Micah:5:2) and visited the Church of the Nativity (Luke 2:2-8), and below it the cave-stable of Jesus' birth. Time for Mass. If time see the Shepherd’s field. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Wednesday, Oct 8: Bethany, Jericho, Qumran, Dead SeaFollowing breakfast, we drove to Bethany, home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus (John 11:17). We have seen the wine-press. Continue to visit Qumran where the Essene enclave was and see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Then, we will enjoy a swim/float in the Dead Sea. Returned to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
Thursday, Oct 9: Old City: Temple area, Christian shrines, We saw the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and Temple Mount. We glorified God for everything He had created. We then visited the tomb of King Herod. A memorial there commemorates the Massacre of the Innocents, the first-born children Herod killed in an attempt to get rid of the child Jesus. After lunch, we visited the Church of the Assumption of Mother Mary and the upper room where the Holy Area with the Al-Aksa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. We saw the Pool of Bethesda where the angel ruffled the water, and St. Anne's Church, traditional birthplace of Jesus' mother. We then tracked the Lord’s final route to Calvary (Via Dolorosa). Jesus carried the cross along this route, and as we followed in His footsteps, we experienced the passion of Christ. Surprisingly, we were not tired as we made the narrow climb.The weather was pleasant and God Himself was carrying us. We then went to Golgotha, or the place of the skull. We experienced God powerfully at the Tomb of Jesus (Garden Tomb), where we remembered Jesus’ final hours and broke bread in His memory. Everyone present experienced the mighty anointing of God at this place. At Calvary, a silver star hole marks the exact spot where the cross once stood. We worshipped Jesus at this place and thanked Him for dying so that we may live. We also visited other historic places in the Old City. We also walked the Cardo in the Jewish quarter. Leave the city through the bazaars to the west by Jaffa Gate. At the end of the day, visit the Garden Tomb. Thereafter, we retired for the night.
Friday, Oct 10: Ein Karem, free afternoonWe started the day with a visit to Ein Karem where we visited the Church of John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation. We continue to Emmaus to see the Franciscan Church and the ruins of the old town. Balance of the day free for rest, reflection or last minute shopping.
Saturday, Oct 11: Allenby Bridge, Madeba, Mt Nebo, Amman airport for departureEarly crossing into Jordan (Allenby Bridge). We visited the Christian village of Madeba see the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. We saw the Holy Land Model, a scale model of the ancient city of Jerusalem, our Guide walked with us through an accurately detailed smaller version of Biblical times in Jerusalem as well as the architecture and décor of the Temple. Drove on to Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land. You can see the Jordan Valley, Jericho and the Judean hills beyond. Also see the remains of Byzantine church with their mosaic floors. After lunch transfer to airport for departure (@ 15:00).
Israel is truly a land blessed by the Lord. We thank God for taking us to the Promised Land, where Jesus and the prophets of long ago walked. This too is an experience we will cherish forever.
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