Megiddo, Mt Carmel and Akko

Our first stop was to Megiddo to view 24 layers of civilization as well as the northern stables for King Solomon. We braved a terrible downpour, but it made touring the site even more sobering than imagining the final battle described in Revelation. However we also talked about how the battles today are not just against flesh and blood (though there are far too many for our tiny globe), but against the principalities and rulers of the darkness that presses in and tries to extinguish the light. 

Reading about the beheading of Christians just a few countries away, it was hard to know how to pray. We whispered the song "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" yesterday. Today, looking over the lush, green Jezreel Valley and imagining when darkness will finally be illuminated forever--the prayer was the same, yet slightly different. O Lord come, but not yet. 

Here are some pictures from the day. Thanks to Carrie Hoye who took many of these. I've borrowed some others from various pilgrims' Facebook posts.

Megiddo excavation. Large circular altar of worship from more than 4,000 years ago. 

Susan Parish and others braved the weather!

Taking a photo of what a manger actually looks like (not the wood and straw replicas we imagine).

Descending into the water system dug during the 8th century BC. A nice shelter from the rain but more importantly an amazing technology given the time period. 

Sculpture of Elijah fleeing to the wilderness after defeating the prophets of Baal. 

Looking out over the valley where Elijah would have slated the 450 prophets after displaying the power of God. 

Carrie Hoye, Kelly Raley, Melissa Maher, Amy Eggert, Pam Davis, Terri Blair and Julia Maher on top of Mt Carmel. 

Peter and Melissa found the ark of the covenant (clearly we are not serious all the time on this pilgrimage!!)

The group outside the Knights of the Templar buildings at Akko.

Courtyard of the crusader castles

Returning home from a LONG day!!

   

Fleur-de-lis original marking of the gothic style pillars in the main dining hall.