Miracles of Jesus

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Today was all about Miracles of Christ..conception, transfiguration, and his first public miracle of turning water into wine. I have heard these stories all my life, but to see and feel them adds a whole new layer to the meaning.

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Photos

Mount Tabor
In the Old Testament, Mount Tabor is described as a sacred mountain and a place for worship. Many battles have been fought at the foot of Mt Tabor….and it is believed the battle of Armageddon (book of Revelations), will take place here as well

Jezreel Valley
Climbing the zig zag road up Mt Tabor

Gate of the Winds
Gate of the Winds – a remnant of the 13th century Arab fortress. From the Gate of the Winds, a long avenue lined with cypress trees leads to the Basilica of the Transfiguration

Basilica of the Transfiguration - Gardens
Cypress tree-lined walkway leads to the church

Basilica of the Transfiguration
Built in 1924 on top of 12th century church ruins, it has three aisles, six bays, three apses and encloses the sacred rock that was believed to be the very site of the Transfiguration.

Basilica of the Transfiguration - Gardens
Ruins of previous churches and gardens surround the Basilica at the top of Mount Tabor

Inside Church of the Transfiguration
Inside the church has a split level plan with open views down to the barrel vaulted lower level chapel, and upwards to the domed apse.

Domed Apse - mosaic of the Transfiguration
About a week after Jesus told His disciples that he would suffer, be killed, and be raised to life, He took Peter, James and John up onto the mountain to pray (Mt Tabor). While praying, His personal appearance was changed into a glorified form, and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about His death that would soon take place. A cloud overshadowed them all, and a voice from the cloud spoke saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

Grotto alter
Peacocks were a symbol of eternal life and resurrection in Christianity

Grotto
Convex ceiling of beautiful mosaics which show different phases of Jesus (infancy, suffering, death & resurrection)

Mass in the Grotto
Celebrating mass in the lower level chapel of the Church of the Transfiguration

Grotto - Transfiguration Rock
Site of the Transfiguration.

South Chapel - Elijah
Southern Chapel – dedicated to Elijah (confrontation with false prophet Baal on Mt Carmel)

North Chapel - Moses
Northern Chapel – dedicated to Moses (holding the Tablets of the Law, behind is Mt Sinai and on the sides is a burning bush and a rock with water flowing from it)

Cana - Wedding Church
Cana in Galilee is celebrated as the scene of Jesus’ first miracle - changing of water into wine

Wedding Church - alter
Jesus and his first disciples turned up at a wedding feast, possibly that of a close relative of his mother Mary. The wine ran out — perhaps because those additional guests had not been catered for — and Mary turned to her Son to overcome the embarrassment. At the wedding, Jesus’ mother told Him that there was no wine. He asked the servants to fill six large jars with water and take them to the steward. The steward saw that the water had been turned into wine, and brought it to the bridegroom and the guests to enjoy.

Nazareth - Basilica of the Annunciation
Built in 1969, it became the largest Christian church in the Middle East. It contains two churches, the upper one being the parish church for Nazareth’s Catholic community

Statue of Mary
It is believed, the archangel Gabriel appeared and told the young Mary, aged about 14, that she would become the mother of the Son of God. And here Mary uttered her consent: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

Church Cupola
The cupola is surmounted by a lantern symbolizing the Light of the World.

Basilica of the Annunciation - upper church
Natural light illuminates the church from the stunning high cupola.

Grotto of the Annunciation - lower church
The Grotto is where the angelic announcement to Mary is believed to have occurred. (this was Mary's home)

Grotto Alter - below
Marking the place where the angel appeared