We arrived in Jerusalem on just before Christmas! As the whole clan drove our three rental cars up the big hill towards Jerusalem and caught first sight of the Old City, Priscilla burst out singing with the words, “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!”
Old City Jerusalem was decked out with lights for Christmas season even though most Israeli’s don’t celebrate either Christmas or our New Year. Their Hanukkah was much earlier this year and their new year starts in September, but they seem to love tourists and cater to them during Christmas.
Christmas in Bethlehem
Though we caroled over the hills of Bethlehem it was advised to wait until another day to make it to Bethlehem City Center. We enjoyed the massive amount of people there on Christmas day and amidst the throng of foreigners were scores of vendors hawking their wares. We enjoyed a good batch of cotton candy.
While visiting in Bethlehem we noticed a bunch of shops that sold Olive Wood carvings of various sorts.
Both of our families growing up had manger scenes so this year we thought it would be special to purchase one from Bethlehem.
One thing for sure is that we do end up doing a lot of walking here in Jerusalem. Paul has found a way to rest in any situation. Here David is attempting to have lunch while holding sleeping Paul.
King Herod’s Palace
Another site we would not have thought of visiting initially on Christmas day was the Herodian. However, this has huge significance with Christmas due to his desire to search of the King and destroy Him in infancy.
David’s sisters Lydia and Rebecca prepare to hike up.
Inside the Palace remain the inner halls and chambers.
Mom and Dad Waller have been real troopers climbing, walking, driving, etc.
David’s sisters with Priscilla on top of the Herodian with Bethlehem directly behind.
Inside the palace or Herodian was a series of very unique sites. Of greater interest to us was the site of church that was constructed inside the ruins in the 5th century. 
Paul has seen a game or two in his life-time and is so happy to be able to walk as long as he is holding on to someone or something.
The Knesset
We enjoyed a very informative tour that lasted well over an hour. It was fun to hear how their government was modeled, especially with Biblical roots.
The Garden Tomb
Within close proximity to the Garden Tomb is the place of the scull or in Hebrew, Golgotha. It literally looks like a skull, but was historically also a place of public executions.
For most of our family, the Garden Tomb was a definite highlight to our trip so far.
Standing outside of the Garden Tomb, you could see a good line of people waiting to get in for a first hand look.
Inside the tomb…
The best part about it was that there were no remains of a deceased person, for He has risen indeed.
You can see that there was both a weaping chamber as well as a “shelf” for the body.
Outside the tomb was a remarkable thing of note. Listen to Priscilla as she gives some explanation.
We had an excellent tour guide who gave a very clear Gospel message. This site is one of the very few historic sites that is owned by born-again believers. What an encouragement to hear that scores of people have made professions of faith after seeing the presentation of the empty tomb!
One of the best parts of Christianity is that Jesus did not stay dead. He rose again. However, it is the promise of His soon return that is a “purifying hope.” Early one morning we decided to go out to the Eastern Gate. Listen as Priscilla explains several aspects of this gate.
Other Fun Video Clips:
Comments
So much fun! Please e-mail me some pictures!
I was so glad to see this last posting. I was hoping you would still be in the Holy Land to celebrate the time of Our Lord’s birth. How blessed you all are. I do not think I will ever go to Israel so it has been special to follow your travels there. Thank you.
To think of walking where Jesus walked knowing He passed the same way words cannot describe. Again thank you for sharing. It makes the NT come alive. Blessed New Year to your whole family.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I feel like I am able to enjoy it with you. You and your family are such a blessing!
I have been waiting on more pictures!!! YAY! Thank you all for sharing, it’s so amazing!! God Bless!!
Amazing pictures and I loved the YouTube explanations! Very motivating!
Christmas in Jerusalem should be a good experience for all persons especially for who have faith. I hope to go there.
that emotions did you hear that?
p.s. sorry my english i’m from italy
I like all of the Photos, and The VIDEOS I saw were all nice as well, glad they all went and enjoyed and have fun, and Paul is so cute. Happy New Year to them all.
Priscilla, you are beautiful inside and out and I have so much admiration for you. What a fun trip – and such a blessing to be able to make such memories at Christmastime! 🙂
Dearest David and Priscilla, you truly were blessed to take this trip of a lifetime. But you certainly did not keep this blessing for yourselves. You turned around and used it to bless countless others. Our family has delighted in the videos, which our children keep asking to watch over and over. What a resource you have provided for others. Our family feels like we are right there in Israel with you as our personal guide. We do not know what you do for work, but we feel the need to encourage you to consider public speaking in the church forum as you are an outstandingly gifted speaker and instructor. Safe travels to all of you.
Those are not CHristmas lights. Most are up year round. They aren’t catering to Christian tourists, they just enjoy the lights. I’ve been to Israel in March, April, and July and the lights were there.