Gethsemane, Golgotha and Garden Tomb

Each Sunday, I hope your minds are drawn to these 3 sacred sites of his Atoning Sacrifice, each having its own symbols and significance. Time we will spend at each of these sites will certainly be the some of the highlights of our time in Jerusalem. For obvious reasons, we will spend longer at these locations than we will spend at most sites, so spend some time reviewing the last week of the Savior's life, paying close attention to the Thursday, Friday, & Sunday triumph over death and sin. Read with news eyes, but notice details about the setting of these events and see if it can come alive in your mind. Imagine, if these rocks, stones, and trees could talk, what would they tell us about what happened here! When you are actually there, it will mean so much more!

A few great teachings about the Savior's atoning sacrifice for you personal study:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/none-were-with-him?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1990/04/beauty-for-ashes-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

http://www.ldsliving.com/From-Gethsemane-to-Golgotha-President-Nelson-s-Beautiful-Insights-into-the-Atonement/s/89415

Participant Handbook

You will be getting a 200-page participant book that looks like this.

It will have most of the relevant scripture passages, additional commentary, and background information for most of the sites we visit. You will receive this when we meet in Israel (or before) and it will be used at most sites, so it is an essential travel companion! You will be able to write notes in the margins and record your thoughts and promptings as we go along. You should also bring your own scriptures (paper or digital) but you will likely want to limit how much you carry at each site.

Clothing

There will be more to say about this later. For now, plan to bring layers of clothes: some light, comfortable clothes that can be layered for warmth. A jacket or sweatshirt will be necessary for colder evenings or rain. Modest clothing is important, including long pants and skirts. Short sleeve shirts are okay in most locations but you may feel more comfortable with a long sleeve shirt or scarf covering at the some locations. Good comfortable closed-toed shoes is a must as there will be plenty of walking and steps at some sites. Bring what you would normally comfortably wear if you were visiting SoCal in January & February.

Itinerary

Our trip basically makes its way in a circle, clockwise around the country of Israel. After flying into TLV, we head up the Mediterranean coast, the western edge of Israel, we will spend a few nights in the North around Galilee, then heading south down near the Jordan River, the eastern edge of Israel, to stay in ancient Judaea and Jerusalem for the remainder of our trip before returning to TLV. A more detailed itinerary will be coming shortly!