While the clock always keeps ticking, and a new year has arrived, the following Christian destinations in Israel truly stand the test of time. Steeped in faith and designed with artistic and aesthetic prowess, these are a sight to behold. They’ll deepen your connection to the Lord and His Son and will take you in their footsteps, as the Holy Scripture comes alive in your midst.

The top 5 Christian destinations to visit in Israel in the New Year, here we go!

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

A large and complex structure, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed by many to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Stroll through the church’s 30 chapels and worship spaces together with masses of Christian pilgrims from around the world and immediately find yourself enveloped in His Grace. Descend the flight of stairs covered in crosses left by devoted pilgrims and enter the room where Queen Helene found the piece of cross believed to be used for the crucifixion itself. And tour the last five stations of the Way of Sorrow, transporting you on a journey of holiness and devotion unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. A truly fascinating sight to behold.

Garden Tomb, Jerusalem

Located in the heart of historic Jerusalem, just beyond the Old City’s walls, Garden Tomb is a divine place or worship and witness, surrounded by breathtaking, yet peaceful flora. Here too, there is an ancient tomb believed to be the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection – whether it actually took place here or in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains a matter of religious debate. Tour the garden and its striking antiquities, receive Holy Communion, or simply sit and contemplate life as you know it. This spiritual site is open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, leaving much time for its many visitors to come and connect.

The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

While this site is particularly popular during the winter holiday season, The Church of the Nativity, located in one of the oldest Palestinian Arab Christian communities, is spiritually relevant and marvelously stunning year-round. Visit the birthplace of Jesus and stoop low to enter the place where God humbled Himself to become man. Gaze in awe at the silver manger, the brilliant mosaic floor of Constantine’s basilica and the red limestone pillars painted with pictures of saints. And before you bid the holy site adieu, descend into the Grotto of the Nativity and view the actual site of the birth of Christ, marked by a star set in the ground. If this site doesn’t leave you feeling born again, the next one surely will.

Yardenit, the Jordan River

Celebrate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and immerse yourself in faith and reverence by taking the plunge yourself at Yardenit. This popular Jordan River site, located just south of the Sea of Galilee, receives roughly half a million pilgrims each year, who don pure, white baptism robes and take the time to submerge themselves in the holy waters. The spirituality in the air is positively infectious – for some it is enough to just watch in awe, relaxing from the shore. Decide how you’ll mark your connection to the Lord, with the most spectacular view at your disposal.

Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus’ last path, the Via Dolorosa and find yourself transported to a time long ago as you make your way through the Stations of the Cross. Feel the Savior’s sorrow as you walk the 14 stations, passing the Lion’s Gate, the Savior’s Church and Messianic Church on your way to Golgotha. Join the Roman Catholic procession, held each Friday and involving brilliant flags – it will likely be the highlight of your Israel visit.

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