The Jerusalem Cross and the Church of the Nativity

Today our journey brought us to Qumram, Jericho, and The Church of the Nativity. Qumran was a the area where the dead sea scrolls were discovered, near the Dead Sea. While the sites that we visited on the first day had been built up to show Praise to God, the site of Qumran was quiet and contemplative. It was nice to have the change.

After that, we went to visit the Church of the Nativity, where the Birthplace and manger of Jesus are located. We slipped down the tunnel leading to the enclosed birthplace, and while down there as a group sang, "silent night." It was special.

While there, we also learned more about the Jerusalem Cross, pictured above. The cross in the middle symbolizes Jerusalem, while the four outter crosses symbolize the ends of the earth. There is an incredible beauty to it, because we as pilgrams are included as "the ends of the earth." The cross asks us to share the message to every tribe, tounge and nation.

While here, looking at all of these "dead stones," I can honestly say that the thing that God is teaching me is that he's real everywhere. So many people make comments about the Holiness of the Holy Land. Yet the amazing thing is that all these things hold a shared meaning for each of us on the trip because Jesus is active in OUR LIVES! The relationships that we have been building among one another by talking and praying about our shared experiences have been amazing.

Tonight, we are going to spend the night with local Palestinian Christian families. The Next night we will spend in Jerusalem. I'm so excited to spend time with the face of these people first hand. The Palestinians have been so great to us so far, and I know that this night will be humbling. The next night, we will be in Nazareth, so it might be a little while before I can post again. Please keep us in your prayers, and God Bless!