Christmas in Israel

 

Christmas in Israel is an extremely unique experience, second to none anywhere in the world. Offering several of the holiest places on earth for three of the world’s main religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) Israel supplies religious pilgrims, locals and tourists alike with pretty much any type of holiday experience imaginable.

 

Christmas in Israel is unique both because you won't have the commercialized version of the holiday it has become elsewhere whilst still offering some of the most authentic and holy highlights. Here, we offer a quick rundown of this special holiday and different ways to celebrate it.

 

 

The Christian story of Christmas begins just over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. On December 25, Mary and Joseph were staying at a “Sheppard’s Inn” (known today as a stable or shed) and there, Mary gave birth to a healthy baby boy. This was the location of Jesus’ Holy Manger, his birthplace. Today, this ancient city boasts one of the country’s largest celebrations. Different dates mark the holiday celebrations, dependent on your denomination. For over two months, Bethlehem is overflowing with tinsel, carolers and religious processions.

 

 

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Anyone who has come to the Holy Land in search of full-on Christmas festivities (and isn’t afraid of crowds) will want to make a bee-line to Bethlehem, the city of Christ’s birth, and the Church of the Nativity. The church of the Nativity is located (says tradition) in the exact spot where Jesus was born. One of the oldest continuously used churches in the world, the Church of the Nativity is more of a complex, as it also houses the Church of St Catherine and the Grotto of the Nativity. Like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this holy space is shared among denominations: with the Church of the Nativity, severe with its columns and hanging oil lamps, maintained by the Greek Orthodox, the Gothic Revival style Church of St Catherine maintained by the Roman Catholics, and the Grotto shared between the two with the addition of the Armenian Orthodox.

Christmas in Bethlehem features lights, a Christmas market, parades and caroling, and lots and lots of people. Visitors should be aware that Bethlehem is beyond the Green Line, and is thus not a part of Israel’s Internationally recognized boundaries and is governed by the Palestinian National Authority. A recognized tourist spot, it is considered safe, but be aware that crossing there from Israel will require you to go through Israeli checkpoints so have your passports ready.

 

 

Celebrate your holiday at the source – in Jesus’s childhood hometown of Nazareth. Celebrate your yuletide where Jesus hopped, skipped and jumped as a child. Today, Nazareth is Israel’s largest Arab city. Although you won’t find any snow, Christmas lights abound and Santa can be found at celebrations all over town. This city is overflowing with fireworks, festivals and Frankincense.

 

 

The largest church in the Middle East, the Basilica of the Annunciation is believed by many to mark the site of the Annunciation, or the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would bear the Son of God. An important spot for pilgrims, the cave or grotto at the bottom of the church has been identified as the spot of the Annunciation (as well as the childhood home of Mary) since at least the 4th century. The current church is Catholic and was built in 1969 over the remains of previous Byzantine and Crusader churches. Before entering, take your time admiring the fascinating mosaics of Mary and Jesus in the portico. Donated by Catholic Communities from all corners of the world, they are a moving testament to the poignancy of the mother and child across many cultural divides. After viewing the lower church, walk up a spiral staircase, engraved with Biblical quotes, to the upper church to see the church’s most celebrated feature-its striking dome. Illuminated by sunlight and shaped like the Madonna Lily-a symbol of Mary’s purity-it appears to gracefully sprout from the heavens. Christmas in Nazareth hosts a massive city center Christmas tree lighting, the Nazareth Christmas Market, holy sites, church services and organized tours. (nazarethinfo.org)

 

 

As a baby, Jesus was brought to Jerusalem for the traditional Jewish circumcision. Here, he was blessed and often returned throughout his life. Many years later, Jesus would spend the last week of his life here, in particular, the Last Supper, crucifixion, death and resurrection. While in the Old City, visit the Christian Quarter. Christmas lights are minimal, but Santa statues and Christmas trees abound. The Christmas Market opens close to the holiday and here you can finish your tour of the Jesus Walk –There are beautiful, historical and spiritual Churches and holy sites along the way, each significant to Jesus’s final days.

 

 

If you only get to visit one church while in Israel, let it be this one. The holiest site in Christianity, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City is believed to be the location of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Unsurprisingly, it is packed with holy relics, including the stone on which Christ’s body is believed to have been prepared for his burial, the rock on which he was crucified, and the church’s namesake: the Holy Sepulchre, where he was believed to be buried. The church itself is a bit of challenge to find, as its entrance is small and unassuming, but upon entering even the non-believer will be struck by the palpable energy of this spot. Pilgrims have been journeying here since the 4^th century, although the current Romanesquestyle structure is the church’s third iteration, having been built by the Crusaders in the 12^th century following previous destructions. The church is multi-denominational, shared by the Greek Orthodox, the Armenians and the Roman Catholics as well as, to a lesser extent, the Coptic, Syrian and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches. Oil lamps, icons and incense set the mood, and the church itself is quite cavernous, with numerous altars and chapels.

 

 

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Located in the Garden of Gethesame at the foot of the Mount of Olives, this stunning neo-Byzantine church was built in 1924 on the ruins of two previous churches. It is also called the Basilica of the Agony- named for the large rock at its alter, believed to be the very rock on which Jesus prayed the night of his betrayal. The church itself is Catholic and contains multiple mosaics representing the twelve nations who helped fund it. The church’s location in the tranquil Garden of Gethesame is also a significant reason to visit. Thought to have been an olive tree garden even during Christ’s day, the knowledge that many of the now gnarled olive trees, dated to be around 2000 years old, were once saplings nearby which Jesus prayed is indeed evocative. Approach the garden and church from a path down the Mount of Olives and stop by at the Dominus Flevit Church, where Jesus is said to have wept over the future of Jerusalem. After experiencing this beautiful, calming location, it won’t be difficult to understand why a distraught Christ might have sought solace there on the night before his arrest. No Christmas mass at this church, but head over to the nearby Church of the Ascension for Christmas carol singing.

 

Jesus is said to have spent most of his life in this region of Israel, in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee, a fresh water lake. Here he gave many of his parables and performed most of his miracles.

Church of the Beatitudes, Tagba

 

This small Catholic church overlooking the Sea of Galilee commemorates one the most beloved (and radical) sermons in all of history: The Sermon on the Mount. It is here Jesus is said to have uttered such phrases as “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” and “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the children of God.” Known as the eight Beatitudes, they uplift those in society who are the most downtrodden, and are enough to inspire believers and social-activists alike. With eight sides meant to represent the eight phrases, the church itself is small, simple and lovely and does not attempt to compete with the breathtaking natural beauty of the spot. While long marked as the site of the sermon by pilgrims, it remains unknown how accurate the claim is although historians agree the real site would have looked quite similar. Although too small for a full-on mass, the well manicured gardens and unbeatable view of the sea make for a perfect spot to contemplate some of the most visionary words ever spoken while wishing JC a happy birthday.

 

 

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Cared for by the Benedictine order, this serene Catholic church on the shores of the Sea of Galilee marks the spot said to be where Jesus multiplied a mere five loaves of bread and two fish in order to feed 5,000 of his hungry followers. The church features stunningly restored mosaics from the 5th century, the most famous of which depicts two fish around a basket of  bread, representing the miracle attributed to the site. Also present is a slab of limestone said to be the rock on which the famous meal was produced, and a charming floor mosaic of various flora and fauna including two cuddling ducks. The current church is less than a hundred years old, but it has maintained an aesthetic true to its original Byzantine era roots, some of which are still visible. Less than 200 meters away on the water’s edge sits the black stone Chapel of the Primacy of St Peter, where Jesus is said to have feasted on fish with his disciples after the resurrection.

 

 

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The highest mountain in the Galilee region, Tabor offers fantastic views of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding patches of farmland. Identified as the site of Jesus’ Transfiguration, it is here that Christ is reported to have appeared radiant and white before his disciples, flanked by Moses and Elijah. There are two churches on the mountain- Catholic Church of the Transfiguration (or the Church of the Savior), Greek Orthodox Church of St Elias (Elijah). The Catholic one is the grander of the two with an impressive mosaic and chapels dedicated to Moses and Elijah. It was built in 1924 on the site of earlier Byzantine and Crusader churches, parts of which are still visible. Also present is a cave said to be the dwelling of St Melchizedek, mentioned in Genesis, who dwelt there as a hermit for seven years. Modernity now allows visitors to drive quite close to the summit, but those looking for a little exercise or perhaps a more genuine experience may want to seek out one of the many hiking trails.

 

There is no documentation of the traditional Christmas story in relation to Tel Aviv-Jaffa. However, Tel Aviv-Jaffa still provides an incredible holiday experience. Whether you’re looking for midnight mass or a great traditional Chinese food feast, Tel Aviv will surely supply it.

 

 

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With its lovely steeple dominating the Jaffa skyline, St Peter’s Church serves as a reminder of the Christian  significance behind this ancient port city. Jaffa is believed to be the location from where Jonah set out on his fated voyage, and where St Peter raised Tabitha, one of Jesus’ disciples, from the dead. This Catholic Church, built by Spain in 1894 over a Medieval citadel, is in a prime spot overlooking the sea in Jaffa’s magical Old City. Enter through the church’s striking red brick façade, and do not miss admiring the unusual pulpit on the right, towards the front. Impressively carved out of dark wood to resemble a tree, its four panels portray important events in the life of St Peter. The large painting behind the altar depicts St Peter and an angel on Simon the Tanner’s roof, while most of the stained glass windows are of Spanish saints. History buffs will be delighted to know that through the sacristy are the remnants of two ancient rooms said to have housed Napoleon in 1799. Otherwise, head down to Jaffa where a large portion of Tel Aviv’s Christian population resides. Here, you will find some of the best Christmas light displays around, hands down. If you’re daring enough, you can even visit Churches in different languages; Celebrate this holiday in French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Russian, or yes, even Hebrew. And, if all else fails, pack up Santa’s cookies and head for the beach.