JerUSAlem

What is the core of Jerusalem? USA! This joke is a favorite of many Israelis, and one that we became quite accustomed to :)

Today we got to negotiate our way around and through Jerusalem.  It started out a little rougher than we had anticipated.  The hope was to start off visiting the Garden of Gethsemenee followed by the church of Mary Magdalene...however...we had a later start to insure a relaxing start today, which developed into a series of badly timed arrivals... every church seemed to be closed for lunch!

whoopsies ;)

We made it to the church called Dominus Flevit, or the Lord wept, after the verse in Luke 19:41 where Jesus weeps when the city of Jerusalem comes into sight, and this incredible window shows

the dome of the rock in the background of the cross.  a beautiful testament to the scriptures and passion that Jesus felt towards the lost city.                                                                       

The church was built near some uncovered ossuaries (bone boxes) and gave an example of family tombs from that time.  This is the only church with a hen gathering her brood on the communion table that reminds us of Jesus' words in the gospel of Matthew.  A very tender reminder.

"Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem...How often would i have gathered you as a hen gathers her brood..."

-Matt 23:37

  Next we went to a lookout overhanging old jerusalem, this helped to paint an image  of the majestic heights and stature of the old temple's structure. 

While we were there, Meg and Jonny got an impromptu camel expedition! They looked like true Israelites with their rented (yes...not borrowed, but rented) headware.

 Plus, the camel was pretty cute, 

and the owner assured us that he was a kissing camel, rather than a spitting one :)  

This site overlooks a massive Jewish grave site.  The hillside overwhelmingly has strategically stacked gravestones that slightly reminded me of sardines all packed in with no room to spare.  

Many jews decide to be buried in this specific location of Jerusalem because this is where Jesus is prophesized to come to first on his return, or for them, his first coming.

The Tombs of the Prophet (Kidren Valley)

Next was our visit to the Holy Sepulchre.  It was exquisitely adorned with candles and houses three different churches. The Holy Sepulchre or Holy Tomb is believed by many to be the site of the crucifixion of our Christ.  It also holds what is thought to be the anointing slab of rock that Mary magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus used, as well as the burial place. 

I found it touching to enter these holy places, to put my hand into "the cross's hole".  But at the same time, it gave me a vivid reminder of how many of these sites, however  on point or near the place they might be, may be no where near the locations of the crucifixion or burial of Jesus that took place in the bible.  However, this Holy place seemed to be a  testament of how we all want that same proof and evidence that Thomas hoped for those two thousand years ago! 

Entrance to the Holy Sepulchre








 When I rubbed my fingers around the circumference of that hole in the rock it was so reminiscent of doubting Thomas putting his hands in the wounds of the Lord.

Tomb of Christ









 Even today, centuries later, people are trying to uncover evidence to further prove with scientific explanations or geographical facts what we Christians believe with faith and hope that grows each day in our hearts.