Israel Travel

THE SHEPHERDS FIELD

The above picture shows the beautiful Shepherds Field with its rolling hills around the city of Bethlehem.     Luke 2:1-20

 THIS IS WHERE THE FIRST CHRISTMAS CAROLS WERE SUNG

The angelic choir sang the first Christmas carols in the rolling hills of the Shepherds Field around Bethlehem.  These are also known as the "Fields of Boaz" from the times of Ruth, and they serve as the setting for the Psalmist King David as he watched the sheep in this very place for his father.  Instead of choosing Rome or Alexandria, God chose the little town of Bethlehem to send His supreme revelation to the world telling us of His love.  God chose Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus.

ISRAEL IS LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD

In talking with our friends in Israel we are hearing that the big problems in travel these days is "psychological" in many ways.  That's not to say that there are not dangers in the world.  The idea is to avoid certain places as you travel in the city where you live or in some city to which you have traveled.  To be afraid to travel is to miss so much of your life.  Go with a group of Christians who share the same wonderful experience of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection.

ISRAEL'S STRATEGIC LOCATION AFFECTS HISTORY

Think about this paragraph, and it may help you understand why Israel is at the heart of the world.  The Holy Land, though small in size, has played a major role in the history of the world.  Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, it is the bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa.  In ancient times it was the link between Egypt and Mesopotamia.  This is the land where lie the ruins of the world's most ancient civilizations.  This is where the East met the West.  Israel is about the size of the state of New Jersey, but it is the center of the world in faith.  God chose this Land as the place where He would reveal Himself to the planet earth.  Three monotheistic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) have their roots in the soil and heart of the Holy Land.  This Land of Jesus is where He was born, lived, ministered, suffered, died, and rose again!  "Come and see the place where the Lord lay."  It is true that no country in the world has had a more dramatic history than the Holy Land.

JERUSALEM IS QUEEN OF THE WORLD'S CITIES

"For out of Zion shall go forth the Law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."  Zion is one of the hills upon which the city is built giving the name of Zion as another name for Jerusalem.  More wars have been fought at the gates of this city than any other city in the world.  Jerusalem has been besieged more than 50 times; it has been conquered 36 times; and, it has been destroyed some 10 times.  It was first mentioned in the Bible during the time of Abraham as "Salem."  Genesis 3:18 says, "And Melchizedek, King of Salem brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most High God."  In the 10th century B.C. King David made Jerusalem the capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant into it.

  WHY DID JEROME SAY, "THE HOLY LAND IS THE FIFTH GOSPEL"?  

When someone visits the Holy Land, he or she can see immediately how a visit to the Land of Jesus seems to help the Christian put the Bible in its proper setting. The overview of the Scriptures somehow becomes clearer. We learn by "seeing" as well as by hearing. It seems to "come together" when proximities and settings are measured by the eye as well as the brain and heart. Times and dates become more clear when studying them while standing in the Promised Land of history and revelation.

CHECK OUT THE JESUS BOAT SITE ON THE INTERNET:  

Moshe and Yuval Lufan, second generation fishermen, are the brothers who accidentally found the "Jesus Boat" in 1986.  Both these gentlemen are still living and work at this site on the Sea of Galilee.  This boat is an amazing archaeological find.  It is not a replica but was actually in use during the time of Jesus.  This is one of the most interesting archaeological finds in Israel.   Check it out on the Internet at the following web site: www.Jesusboat.com/nopen.asp  You can see this boat and also ride in one that is built similar to it but on a larger scale.

JERUSALEM:  

This seventh century mosque (Gold Dome of the Rock) sits right on top of Mount Moriah where Abraham offered up Isaac and where Solomon built the Temple.