Nazareth and Galilee

---

Our excursion today was after lunch, so we began with a quiet breakfast in the Horizons lounge looking out over the Mediterranean. We then got our exercise in by walking laps on the sports deck. After cleaning up we enjoyed an early bite of lunch and prepared for our excursion to Nazareth. I was in line very early - I was so excited. We were a bit nervous about entering Israel, meeting security and immigration "face to face", and using our passports, but it turned out to be a very easy and smooth process. We met our guide, Revital and made the bus journey over to Nazareth. Our first site was the impressive Church of the Annunciation. After looking at the exterior of the building and dating the annunciation back to 5-6 B.C. we went inside to see the grotto where they believe Mary lived. There are byzantine columns, several markings, and an important mosaic tile floor with a cross that all strengthen the belief that this site was in fact where Mary lived. One of the columns also has a graffiti inscription of "Ave Maria". The outter cathedral built over the grotto was built in 1969. A very beautiful Jerusalem cross and "red carpet" marble inlay marked the full length of the center aisle. Pope John Paul II and Pope Paul VI both visited this site and gave/dedicated the "red carpet" aisle to the blessed virgin. Right next door was St. Joseph's church built over the site where Joseph may have lived and worked in his carpentry shop. A point was made that Nazareth was a very small, insignificant village - too small to have its own carpenter. Ruins of larger towns/villages nearby support the theory that Joseph worked outside of Nazareth. In between the two churches was a small ruin site of the village of Nazareth and a cistern that would have provided water. A ritual bath that was well preserved was also easy to see in St. Joseph's church. Driving away from Nazareth we saw the magnificent dome of the Church of the Annunciation and were reminded that the inside was designed in the shape of a white lily flower symbolizing the purity of Mary. Another unique feature is the many "M's" (for Mary) that decorate the interior of the dome. Some say the dome's exterior is considered a "lighthouse" for Christianity. Traveling the countryside on our way to Galilee we learned that the Jews count back 5771 years (from 2011) to the covenant made with Abraham - that he and his descendants would inherit the promised land flowing with milk and honey (made from dates). Nearby we also saw the cliff/hill where the Nazareth crowds led Jesus away and almost threw him off after he preached from the scroll of Isaiah and said, "Today this scripture had been fulfilled in your hearing." Pope John Paul II led a worship service in a chapel on this site during his visit in 2000. We then drove through Cana and caught a glimpse of a church where Jesus may have performed the "water into wine" miracle. Next, we saw Mt. Tabor in the distance, where the Transfiguration probably occured. After we crossed over the crest of the hills and began to descend down to the Sea of Galilee, it was incredibly exciting to see the sea in full view. The entire land, its vegetation, and landscape was also inspiring. We spent some time at the Yardenit River Jordan Baptismal site, which unfortunately has become a tourist trap. Gratitude still overcame us as we took in the peaceful scene of the water, shoreline, and vegetation. We filled 2 bottles with water from the River Jordan, washed our faces, and marked the sign of the cross in remembrance of our baptism. We are fairly confident that this is not the actual site where John baptized Jesus, but it was meaningful to be at the river Jordan together. We rode home, learning more about the region from our guide and the map provided. Thank you, God, for the life and ministry of Jesus. Amen.

---