Jerusalem and Bethlehem mark the two most important stations in the life of Jesus: the place of his birth, and the site of his death, burial and resurrection. This specially designed tour will take you to the most significant sites in these two places. It will also combine a review of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. In fact, the tour of Bethlehem will actually be led by a Palestinian guide.
The most significant site in Jerusalem for the Christian world is without doubt the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Completed in 335 AD, this church complex marks the site of Jesus’ crucifixion (Golgotha), burial and resurrection. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit this church on a daily basis. As the lines to enter the tomb can be quite long, we will start our day by joining the cue to enter the tomb and hopefully avoid the crowds. The tomb itself is humble in size and barely lit. But the belief that it was here where Jesus rose from the dead will makes this visit an exceptionally exciting experience for any Christian. For some this is the culmination of their visit to the Holy Land. Recent studies of the tomb have proven that it was indeed carved in local limestone. Furthermore, its shape is typical to the type of tombs used 2,000 years ago. The site marking the place of the crucifixion (Golgotha) is a short distance from the tomb. It is a rocky hill with an indented top. A centuries-old Christian tradition holds that this is where the cross was placed. At Jesus’ time, both the crucifixion site and the tomb were outside the city. However, now they are within a large church complex in the heart of the Christian Quarter.
The path leading to the church from the east is also sacred to the Christian world. It is identified as the path Jesus took as he carried his cross from where he was tried to where he would be crucified. Known as the Stations of the Cross, the path passes through the Muslim and Christian quarters of the Old City. The Catholic Church marks 14 stations along this path, each one being devoted to an event Jesus underwent on his way to his excution site. We will visit some of the stations, stroll through the local bazaar (suq), and eventually reach the Jewish Quarter. Upon request, we could also make brief visits to the Western Wall and the site of the Last Supper on Mount Zion.
Next we drive to the check point at the entrance to Bethlehem. Entering Palestinian jurisdiction requires that you show your passports and be led by a Palestinian guide on your tour of Bethlehem. After a possible lunch break, you enter the Church of Nativity. The oldest church in the Holy Land, this building is an architectural marvel. Its basilica shape still bears Crusader-era murals and mosaics from the 4th century AD. But the main attraction is the crypt which marks the place where Jesus was born. Get in line, and you too will be able to touch the Star of Bethlehem at the spot of Jesus’ birth and the manger which was used as his baby bed after being born.
A short ride to a valley east of Bethlehem will bring you to the Shepherds’ Field. According to the Gospels, upon hearing of the birth of Jesus, shepherds came to adore the newborn in Bethlehem. Nestled in the fertile valley near the city, this quaint site presents the grazing fields of these shepherds. Caves of the type used to keep livestock are still visible and some have been converted into humble sites of worship. Moreover, in the middle of the site there is a beautiful tent-shaped chapel which was built in the 1950’s.
Finally, on your way back to Jerusalem, you could visit one of the workshops that specialize in carved olive wood. These workshops craft delicate Christian-themed souvenirs and are all made of local wood. Time permitting a visit Rachel’s Tomb is also possible. Jewish tradition holds that this is where Rachel died upon giving birth to Benjamin on her way to Bethlehem. Today Jewish pilgrims gather at this site for prayer and veneration.
In Hebrew Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” It’s Arabic name, “Bayt Lahm” sounds similar but means “House of Meat.” The two names combined happen to match Jesus’ statement at the last supper: “Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you.” (Luke 22:19).
