Author: Dennis
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The Jerusalem Destruction by the Romans in 70 AD, as Exemplified at the “Burnt House”
What is known as the First Jewish Revolt against Rome began in 66 AD. Emperor Nero sent General Vespasian to crush the rebellion. Vespasian’s plan was to first defeat the countryside and to take Jerusalem last. Part way through the war Nero died and Vespasian was made emperor. He left for Rome leaving his son… Read more
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Driving Out the Money Changers at the Temple in Jerusalem
Money changers are still to be found in Jerusalem as they were at the time of Christ. There are a few differences. They are not on the temple mount as there is nothing there to buy. And there is no trading in livestock. Nevertheless, they are there to exchange your currency into Israeli Shekels. While… Read more
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The Milk Grotto in Bethlehem, and the Flight into Egypt
The cave/grotto under the church has been venerated since the fifth century AD. According to tradition, the holy family stopped here during their flight into Egypt just prior to the slaughter of the innocents. This site is only 383 yards (350 meters) from the Church of the Nativity, so they had not gotten very far… Read more
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Hanukah, the Festival of Light: What is it?
We are currently in the Hanukah holiday. Hanukah (also spelt Chanukah, Chanukkah, and Hanukkah) is considered a minor holiday in Judaism. However, in the west, due to the influence of Christmas which takes place at the same month, Hanukah has grown in popularity. The holiday celebrates the victory over the Greek Seleucid Empire by the… Read more
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The Birth of Christ at Bethlehem
The birth of Jesus Christ took place in a stable at Bethlehem. Anciently caves were often used as secure stables and this was the case at Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity was built over a series of cave stables. It is the oldest continuously used church in Christendom. The original church was build by… Read more
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The Wisemen’s Gift of Frankincense and Myrrh
According to the Gospels, the Wisemen, or Magi, brought three gifts to the Baby Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Everyone knows what gold is and looks like, but what about the other two? Above is pictured frankincense on the left and myrrh on the right. “And when they [the Wisemen] were come into the house,… Read more
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Shepherds in the Field Were the First to be Told the Glad Tidings
Christians have wanted to celebrate the annunciation to the shepherds for millennia at the site of the event. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round… Read more
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Where Did the Wisemen Visit King Herod? The Herodium
There are two possible locations of where the wisemen (Magi) visited King Herod the Great, seeking for the newborn King of the Jews: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is… Read more
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Nazareth Village (A Living History)
Nazareth Village, a living history attraction in modern Nazareth city does their best to show village life during the era of Jesus Christ. Nazareth Village tries very hard to show all tools, common occupations, and buildings as they would appear during the Roman period in history. It has managed quite well to recreate a first… Read more
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The Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Holiday
If you live in a big city, last October you may have seen makeshift huts in the yards of your Jewish neighbors. Let me give a little context to why they did this. Sukkot (also spelled Succoth, and called feast of tabernacles) was October 16-23, 2024. This holiday celebrates gathering in the harvest, and commemorates… Read more