The Holiest of Places

Hello! So... I'm leaving for Egypt in T minus 8 hours... and if you know me, you know I haven't packed yet... however, I feel the need to post pictures from the two most incredible places in Jerusalem. The pictures of the Garden of Gethsemane are from January 17 Shabbat and the ones of the Garden Tomb were taken today.

Garden of Gethsemane:

Eight olive trees held by tradition to be the silent witnesses of

Jesus' prayer and suffering before His crucifixion

Golgotha (the place of the Skull):

At the Garden Tomb:

In both Gethsemane and at the Garden Tomb it is the person that matters much, much more than the place. It is what we can learn from the event and how it affects us. Most importantly, it is how we allow it to change our lives that is significant. The Garden of Gethsemane is a holy site as it is a representation of Christ's Atonement. He suffered for all men. It was not exclusively for those who belong to His Church or who are believers in Him as the Savior. He loves us all. While it was not easy, He had a complete understanding of its necessity. He truly is our Exemplar. Additionally, what happened in Gethsemane would have meant little if there was not the brightening of a new day. His Resurrection signifies so much for us. It testifies of new birth and renewal... the very repentance made able through the power of the Atonement. The Garden Tomb is where He overcame physical death and I rejoice that He lives. I rejoice that His suffering was not in vain. I rejoice that I know these things for certain. This is the gospel --this is the good news! Nothing could be more glorious and nothing can bring as much happiness as the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the places where the events transpired. The very events that make our salvation possible. What happened in these places so deeply affects all of mankind-- past, present, future-- you and me. Let the things that happened here reach the depths of your soul, internalize them, and let Him change you for the better.