Friday, January 6th
Today we left the shores of Galilee and went to Caesarea where we saw the ruins of King Herod’s palace and saw the beautiful shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The picture below is taken of the Roman aquaducts that were built to bring fresh water from Mt. Carmel to Caesarea. These waters were also used to create a fresh water swimming pool for the King Herod’s Palace. (In a picture you will see some of the ruins of the pool) We sat in the theatre that the Romans had built around 40 B.C.E (Before Common Era) This city was relatively new in Jesus’ day and because of it’s location was an important sight for Rome and King Herod. It was in Caesarea that Peter met with Cornelius and you may remember that Cornelius and his family were one of the first Gentiles to be baptized. (Acts 10)
Aqueducts in Caesaria Roman Ruins
From Caesarea, we then traveled to Jerusalem. About a one hour thirty minute bus ride. Our first stop in Jerusalem was to the Old City where we went to the Mt. of Olives. The weather had changed so we then went to the Upper Room. Our guide told us that the disciples may have rented this room for several weeks as Scripture tells us they stayed in this room once Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Our guide also explained that we often picture the Upper Room to be like Da Vinci’s painting and DaVinci didn’t have it quite right. As the disciples would have reclined on the floor using a table that was called a triclinia table that is shaped like a "U". They also would have had a Passover meal on the table and not fish like DaVinci’s painting shows!
Today is Epiphany! A day in which we recognize the Magi coming to Bethlehem and finding the Christ child. Most of us understand Epiphany to mean the revelation of Jesus as Divine and we also understand that to mean ah-ha!. Tonight we went down to Bethlehem square and saw a three kings celebration mostly with Ethiopians. It was quite a celebration, loud music and lots of food and many families.
Epiphany Celebration