Learn About the Holy LandTop Ten Places to Sing in the Holy Land |
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Your pilgrimage to the holy land will be all that more memorable when you sing your favorite church hymns in the places where Jesus walked, healed, died and appeared after the resurrection.
We at Kenes Christian Tours recommend that you consider putting together a small hymnal for your group so everyone is “on the same page” in singing your favorite songs which lift up the spirit and will enhance fellowship on your next pilgrimage.
We would love to hear from you with other suggestions. We will share them with our pilgrim groups. Kenes Christian Tours believes that Christian fellowship is a vital element of pilgrimage.
ENTERING JERUSALEM
View from the Mount of Olives ©Gila Yudkin
Singing the praises of the Holy City is a three-thousand-year-old tradition started by King David himself. The most popular places to stop and take your first look at the city are from the Mount of Olives, Mount Scopus or from the Haas Promenade in southern Jerusalem.
After you inhale Jerusalem’s crisp holy air for the first time, your group may want to sing “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the Highest….” Another possibility is Psalm 48, penned by none other than King David, “Great is the Lord, greatly to be praised….”
PALM SUNDAY ROAD
Palm Sunday Road ©Gila Yudkin
On Palm Sunday Road, coming down the Mount of Olives, perhaps on your first day of pilgrimage in Jerusalem, between the church of Dominus Flevit (Luke 19), and the Garden of Gethsemane, you may want to sing, “Holy, Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty!” or “They’ll know we are Christians by our Love.”
UPPER ROOM
The Upper Room marks the area where Jesus had his “Last Supper” with the disciples. “Let us Break Bread Together” is a popular hymn. The disciples gathered once again in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit came down upon them and they began to speak in tongues. During your visit to the Upper Room, you may hear other pilgrim groups singing in a multitude of tongues!
VIA DOLOROSA
Via Dolorosa ©Gila Yudkin
The Via Dolorosa marks the way Jesus carried the cross from the Praetorium, where he was tried and condemned by Pontius Pilate, to the place of crucifixion and burial. You may want to sing in the Ecce Homo chapel by Station One at the Sisters of Sion Convent before you descend to view the Lithostratus or Gabbatha. (John 19).
If you have a talented singer on tour, step into one of the little chapels along the way (Station Five, Six or Seven), to listen to a heart-rending rendition of “Via Dolorosa” in English and perhaps also in Spanish. “Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day, The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street, But the crowd pressed in to see, A Man condemned to die on Calvary….”
As you walk through Jerusalem’s Old City market from station to station, easy sing-alongs are, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” and “Jesus Remember Me when You come into Your Kingdom.”
THE GARDEN TOMB
Garden Tomb ©Gila Yudkin
The Garden Tomb, north of the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, provides a quiet place for communion, teaching, singing and worship if you so desire. (Kenes Christian Tours will be happy to make a reservation for your group.) For The Garden Tomb there is a great selection of appropriate hymns. “I Come to the Garden Alone”, “Majesty, worship His Majesty,” “Crown Him with many Crowns.” and “He Lives.” come to mind.
ST. ANNE CHURCH
Built by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages, St. Anne Church is located right inside St. Stephens Gate, adjacent to the Pool of Bethesda. The church is remarkable for its 11-second echo. If your group loves to sing, or you brought talented choir singers on your tour, this is a MUST DO! Choices of hymns are many. Favorites are, “Hallelujah,” “Jesus Loves Me” and “Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow.”
JERICHO ROAD
View from the Jericho Road ©Gila Yudkin
When you travel on the Jericho Road through the stark Judean wilderness, it’s fun to sing on the bus. “On the Jericho Road there’s room for just two; No more and no less, just Jesus and you….”
RIVER JORDAN
Baptismal Ceremony by the River Jordan ©Gila Yudkin
The Baptismal ceremony at the River Jordan will most likely be cited as one of the highlights by each pilgrim. If you bring a large group of multiple buses, Kenes Christian Tours will be happy to make a reservation for each one in your group to receive a robe, towel and certificate. Smaller groups don’t need reservations in advance, but your Kenes guide will facilitate getting robes and towels for the ceremony.
Some suggestions of what to sing before reading Matthew 3 and starting the individual renewal of baptismal vows are, “I have decided to follow Jesus,” “Come to the Water.” and “Peace is flowing like a River.”
SEA OF GALILEE
Sea of Galilee ©Gila Yudkin
The boat ride on the Sea of Galilee will be unforgettable and uplifting for many members of your group. Have the guide ask the captain to stop the boat in the middle of the sea to read about the storm, Peter’s loss of faith and Jesus’ walking on the water. Some favorites are, “The Man from Galilee” “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” and “Peter, James and John in a Sailboat”
THEATER AT CAESAREA
Singing in Caesarea's Theater ©Gila Yudkin
The two thousand-year-old Herodion theater at Caesarea by the Mediterranean Sea provides a fantastic opportunity to get all your choir members on stage. Have them sing your Sunday favorite. Perhaps other pilgrims from around the world will join in! It was from Caesarea, after Roman Centurion Cornelius was baptized by Peter, that the Good News spread throughout the entire ancient world.
Kenes Christian Tours experts are the best in the field and our customers say so again and again. Contact us to organize a Holy Land tour for your church or ministry. For individuals contact us to sign up for our weekly Christian tour: An incredible once in a lifetime spiritual tour. Plan your next trip TODAY! |
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