The Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of...
Sukkot: The Festival of Booths
With the week of Sukkot—the Festival of Booths, Cabanas, or Tabernacles—the cycle of holidays for the month of Tishrei (September/October) in the Jewish lunar calendar comes to an end. In Jesus’ time, as well as today, this was one of the major festivals,...
Ein Gedi: The Spring of the Goat
Before becoming king, David had entered the service of King Saul. In the palace, David would play the lyre to calm the king’s anxiety attacks. There, he became friends with Jonathan, Saul’s son. But David, due to his victories against the Philistines—particularly...