cc licensed flickr photo shared by fdecomite
Christianity has a deep history that is woven into the very fabric of culture. The Christian who desires to travel to one of the many spots across the globe that offer early Biblical history has many options. There are five places that every Christian should try to visit in their lifetime.
Tomb of the Patriarchs:
Hebron, Israel is the location of the Tomb of the Patriarchs. The is the burial spot of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac. Undoubtedly, three of the most revered men in the Old Testament. The wives of the three men, Sarah, Rebecca and Leah are buried with them. Huge walls built by King Herod's men surround the Tomb of the Patriarchs. The West Bank location of this site is under siege by both the Muslim and Jewish communities who are fighting for ownership.
Bethlehem:
Bethlehem has long been known as the place that Jesus was born in a manger. The Church of the Nativity id the known location of the birth of Jesus. The church has a small underground area denoted with a 14 point star which is believed to be the exact location of Jesus' birth. The Church of the Nativity is considered to be the world's longest operating church still in existence. Christians who visit Bethlehem would be able to visit the burial spot of Rachel, Jacob's second wife.
Via Dolorosa:
One of the most historically significant locations in the entire Christian faith. Via Dolorosa is the road where Jesus was handed his death sentence by Pontius Pilate and forced to walk to Golgotha where He was crucified. Christians have walked this path for 2,000 years by symbolically following the footsteps of Jesus before He was crucified. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is at the end of Via Dolorosa. The Church marks the exact spot that Jesus was put to death and was resurrected three days later.
Nazareth:
Nazareth is known for being the town that Jesus spent his childhood days. Christians have journeyed to Nazareth for 2,000 years to visit the town where Jesus grew up. The Church of St. Joseph was built atop of a cave that once held the carpentry workshop of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The area is home to the church where Jesus went as a young child.
The Mount of Beatitudes:
Location of the most well-known sermon ever given by Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount was delivered here. The Mount of Beatitudes overlooks the gorgeous Sea of Galilee where Jesus and his apostles fished. Occasional questions regarding this mountain come up, however for more than 1,6000 years, it has been believed to be the exact location of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Christians with the desire to travel to one of these biblically significant locations need to check with the US State Department for any travel warnings before making the journey. These area's have been under attack and the State department will recommend avoiding the areas if fighting is intense. A travel agent will be able to help determine is travel is safe before making travel plans.
Tim Roberts is a youth pastor and contributor at Christian Degree Programs, a site with information and resources about the best online Christian degrees available.
The above guest post is published based on the premise that it will be helpful and informative. The opinions made within it are those of the author and not of sunnyray.org. The links you may find within this post do not necessarily imply our recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.
angie says:
07-30-2014
This is a nice little list and I agree completely with it. But, here is my addition to it: Rio de Janeiro.
If you don't know, this Brazilian city is a host of the largest statue of Jesus Christ. Made out of reinforced concrete, this statue goes 120 feet in the sky.
The name of this statue is Christ the Redeemer and it is a must see sight if you are a Christian.