The Garden Tomb

I am trying to finish the Israel pictures because in three weeks we leave on our summer vacation to Willliamsburg, Jamestown, Philly, and then cruise up the coast into Canada. So, back to ancient Israel and to the Garden Tomb. Gosh, try to compare our US history back 200+ years and then think of Israel back 2000+ years. Boggles the mind for sure.

I thought being baptized (or re-dedicated) in the Jordan River would be the BIG thing for me. While it was truly moving, the Garden Tomb and having communion in this spot was really quite amazing and memorable. I think I liked it best. You can see the tomb entrance where folks are wandering in to see the site where many believe Christ was laid to rest. Note the brick work above~ see, the new city was just built over the old!

Anyway, whether you believe this was his actual tomb or not, we were able to see what a tomb was like, understand why according to scriptural clues this may indeed have

been the site, and at no other site was I hit so hard as to everything that was happening to Jesus. Even the walk along the Via Dolorosa was not as powerful.

Along the pathways throughout the garden are little alcoves where people can set up for communion. Because we traveled with 3 pastors, we did not need anyone to officiate. Pastor Erin prepared the table and Pastor Mike bought each person an olive wood communion cup that we could partake of and then take home as a souvenir. We sang a bit, read scripture, had silent prayer, and then communion. It was a very personal and moving experience.

What a blessing it was to be in the great land of Israel! With all that is going on in that part of the world we consider ourselves most fortunate to be there.