Blogs

The Birth of Christ in Bethlehem
The Birth of Christ in Bethlehem: Away in a Manger
Why was the Lord Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem? A look at the ancient town that meant "House of Bread," the manger between cave and stable, the Church of the... Read more...
The Shepherds' Field Church in the Holy Land
The Shepherds' Field in the Holy Land
One of the most sacred places in Christianity is the place where the Angel of Lord first announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds - The Shepherds' Field. Read more...
Where Did the Real Santa Claus Live? It’s Nowhere Near the North Pole!
Where Did the Real Santa Claus Live? It’s Nowhere Near the North Pole!
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, known to the world as Santa Claus, once lived in the Holy Land. Discover his bond with Beit Jala near Bethlehem, where Christians still honor him... Read more...
The Holy Family’s Journey to Bethlehem
The Holy Family’s Journey to Bethlehem
Follow the Holy Family's 70 mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Discover the route Joseph and Mary took to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and the meaning of the Christmas... Read more...
OLIVE WOOD NEW ARRIVALS
8 NEW ARRIVALS (Olive Wood Hand Carved Statues)
Eight new hand carved olive wood statues from our Bethlehem workshop bring the saints, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary into your home with the timeless craft of the Holy... Read more...
The Crown of Thorns
The Crown of Thorns
I have often meditated on how Jesus could have handled the pain the crown of thrones caused him. He endured the pain before his death for our redemption. Read more...
olive harvest is over!
After the Olive Harvest: Why We Prune Olive Trees in the Holy Land
After the autumn olive harvest in the Holy Land, the work is not over. Discover why olive trees are pruned, how long they live, and how their wood becomes hand... Read more...
Pomegranates Religious and Cultural Significance in the Holy Land
Pomegranates: Religious and Cultural Significance in the Holy Land and Catholic Church
Rich in symbolism across Jewish, Christian and Armenian tradition, the pomegranate has been a sacred fruit of the Holy Land for thousands of years. A look at its meaning in... Read more...
Olive Oil
Olive Oil: Anointment, Oil Lamps and More
From the anointing of King David in the Bible to the oil lamps of Holy Land churches, olive oil has carried a sacred place in Christian worship for thousands of... Read more...
The Olive Harvest
The Olive Harvest Is Almost Here!
In September, families across the Holy Land gather their ladders and tarps for the olive harvest. A look at the time honored ritual that produces zeit zeitun, Nablus olive oil... Read more...
The 5th Station of the Via Dolorosa
Saint Francis of Assisi and the Custos of the Holy Land
Saint Francis of Assisi sent his Franciscan Order to the Holy Land in 1217, where they have served as the Custos of the Catholic Church for more than seven centuries.... Read more...
Saint Michael and All Angels
The Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas)
Celebrated on September 29, the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels honors the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. A look at the meaning of Michaelmas, the nine choirs... Read more...