Jerusalem the Golden has always been a favorite hymn of mine. The soaring melody and lush harmonies my make heart beat faster, to say nothing of the words:
Jerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blest,
Beneath thy contemplation sink heart and voice oppressed.
I know not, O I know not, what joys await us there,
What radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare!
The hymn is a love poem to a city, the holy city of God, the place of expectation and longing. I always loved that hymn, but I never truly understood it until I saw Jerusalem for myself. The magnificent walls, the steep hills, the ancient churches, synagogues, and mosques: there is nothing like it on earth, the place where three great faiths were born.
This video captures a bit of the breathless wonder that is Jerusalem and the holy land. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=iPQI6Yupt48
Rev. Dr. Shawnthea Monroe
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