Advent is the time for preparing and waiting for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is observed by many Western Christian churches. It begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas day. The Eastern Christianity equivalent is called the Nativity Fast, but is different in length and practices. Some common practices include lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, and preparing for the holiday of Christmas. Advent is important because it leads to one the major holidays in the Christian calendar. A second major holiday in the Christian calendar is Easter, but that isn’t for a while. Why is this important? I am now going to share with you the ten places a private tour guide can take you during advent in the Holy Land.
#1: Bethlehem
Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. Joseph and the Virgin Mary were in Bethlehem for a census conducted by the Romans. By the time the couple arrived in Bethlehem, all the rooms to sleep in were taken and shortly after Mary had Jesus. Today a church stands in the same place to remember the event. Remember to bring your passport for this site!
#2: Nazareth
Nazareth is significant for Christianity for several reasons. The major event, however, is the annunciation of Jesus by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. While Mary is bringing water from the spring Gabriel appears in front of her and tells her that she is pregnant with the Son of God. There are two churches remembering that event: a Catholic basilica and a Greek Orthodox Church. Nazareth is also home to the Synagogue Church, the site where Jesus was rejecting for saying he was the Messiah, and the Church of the Carpentry of Joseph, where Joseph worked. Bring your walking shoes because we’ve got what to see!
#3: Mount of Beatitudes
The third of ten places a private tour guide can take you during advent is the Mount of Beatitudes, the location of the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon Jesus delivered on the mount is one of his most famous, and included messages like turning the other cheek and loving your neighbor. The church built on the site is beautiful and one of a site, so bring your camera!
#4: Capernaum
Capernaum was Jesus’ home during much the height of his primacy. We can see here a glimpse into what the town was like through its archeological remains. These remains include the roots of the first church, and all of its stages. Be prepared to be moved by the archeological footprints of Jesus!
#5: Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
Boat rides are provided on the Sea of Galilee to get a panoramic view of where Jesus lived for most of his life. From the boat, we can see places like Ginosaur, Capernaum, Tiberius, and Tabgha. On the boat, we’ll look at those sites, and we’ll explore the miracles Jesus performed in the region.
#6: Qumran
The sixth of ten places a private tour guide can take you during advent is Qumran. It is an ancient site that dates back to the time of Jesus. It is believed that John the Baptist may have spent some time here. The Jewish group who lived here practiced a lifestyle very similar to that of Jesus and John the Baptist. Get ready to explore those parallels and spirituality!
#7: Kasr al Yahud Baptismal Site
The Kasr al Yahud Baptismal Site is the traditional site where Jesus Christ himself was baptized by John the Baptist. It was here that during his baptism, Jesus saw and heard the Holy Spirit. Every year, hundreds of Christians rededicate their baptism here, so if that is something you’d be interested in, let’ getting planning so you can have as meaningful an experience as possible!
#8: Jaffa
Jaffa is home to several events important for Christians. It is the site where Peter has his dream at Simon the Tanner’s house. It is also where he will leave for Rome to face his accusers. But the story of Jaffa begins even before that with the story of Jonah and the whale. So put on your hat and tie up your shoes for our visit to Jaffa!
#9: Caesarea
Caesarea is home to archeological prove of Pontius Pilate and gives insight to the political climate in the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. The remains don’t just include Pilate’s inscription, but also an amphitheater, port, and crusader fortress. Get you water bottles for one of an incredibly exciting site in Israel.
#10: Jerusalem
The last of ten places a private tour guide can take you during advent is Jerusalem, the holiest city in Christianity. It is the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. There is no lack of what to see in Jerusalem, from the Mount of Olives (where Jesus stayed during the Holy Week and the site of his ascension) to the Via Dolorosa (Jesus’ last path to where he was crucified) to the Church of the Holy Sephlucher (where he was crucified and buried). With all there is to see, make you’re well-rested and prepared for the best trip you can take during Advent!
While these are ten places a private tour guide can take you during Advent, there are many other great places to see in the Holy Land. So make sure when you talk to your private tour guide, you mention these sites and ask what other places you can go for a meaningful trip. And I hope you do have both a meaningful trip in Israel and a meaningful Advent.
