The River Jordan near the site where Jesus Christ was baptised.
The muddy waters of the River Jordan.
A portion of dry and cracked riverbed.
The bank of the River Jordan.
Mosaic at the site where Jesus Christ was baptised. Because the land near the Dead Sea historically has been the site of much conflict - including the 1967 War or Six Day War - landmines are still being discovered and detonated by specialists. One was detonated while we were standing at this location, resulting in a loud explosion. It helped bring home what it's like to live with conflict virtually on one's doorstep. Since the 1994 Peace Treaty between Jordan and Israel, the site is no longer considered a military border zone. However, visitors to this area - including Pope Benedict - are led by licensed guides and restricted to specific paths.
Jesus Christ walked down these steps to be baptised by John the Baptist. According to the Bible, Matthew 3: 16-17, "As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.'"
In A.D. 570, Antoninus of Piacenza noted, "By the site of the Jordan...where the Lord was baptised, at the place where the water returned to its bed...marble steps descend into the water."
Read more about other spiritual events believed to have occurred here.
View of a Coptic church from the bank of the River Jordan. Four other churches and a mosque are also under construction in the area.
The church bells, crosses and the Jordanian flag on an adjacent wing with arched windows.
Hand-carved seats and stained glass featuring crosses inside the church.
Ceiling mural of Jesus Christ and a brass chandelier.
Murals depicting scenes described in the Holy Bible.
High murals and domed ceiling.
See other photos of Jordan here, here and here, with many more to follow.
Fascinating collection of photos! I don't believe I have ever seen the Jordan River photographed before! I love the place already. Tons of thanks for sharing such a divine photos!!Love your blogs!
Posted by: Electric cars from middle east | 12 January 2010 at 06:01
Beyond words. I am sending this post link to my parentd right away xoxoxxx
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 20 December 2009 at 02:49
i totally agree with Dutchbaby - i also got chills seeing these pictures and reading this. and it always amazes me when that happens because i'm not at ALL religious. it happened to me once at ephesus in turkey, when i imagined that John and Paul had been there, walking on those stones where i walked. they are historial figures of stature, so perhaps that's why it's so thrilling.
Posted by: julochka | 16 December 2009 at 15:31
Thank you for giving us these images of the this historic place. I get chills seeing the photos. I can't imagine what it must feel like in person.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 16 December 2009 at 02:15
touching...you are the best.
thanks so much for sharing these.
Posted by: Se'lah | 15 December 2009 at 17:28
It occurs to me that until this moment I've never even thought about what the River Jordan looks like today! These photos are great and I like the history that you told us about them. Thx.
Posted by: ally bean | 14 December 2009 at 16:36
Gemma, thank you! The water levels in the river have declined, due to climate change. Some of the region's water resources also have been redirected. Water is a precious resource in the area; alas, there's not nearly enough of it.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 14 December 2009 at 13:06
I loved seeing these photos.
Posted by: meredith | 14 December 2009 at 10:45
Oh God!!Its very glad to see Jordan river in this Christmas month!Tons of thanks for sharing such a divine photos!!Love your blogs!
Posted by: Rolls-Royce Middle East | 14 December 2009 at 05:34
Fascinating collection of photos! I don't believe I have ever seen the Jordan River photographed before! I have scrolled back to look at the steps to the water several times! But I am curious! They don't seem to lead directly to the water! Was the water level higher?
And the church interior photos are simply stunning! O I so wish I could travel!
Posted by: Gemma | 14 December 2009 at 02:19
Tara,
Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful pictures. It is special to be able to picture the place where Jesus was baptized. I hope you are having a lovely holiday season now that you have arrived home.
Posted by: Marilyn | 13 December 2009 at 20:05
Fabulous photos. And just amazing subject matter. This is why I love your site so much. Wonderful photos of the most interesting things.
Posted by: Rebecca | 13 December 2009 at 19:38
It is practically the oldest place EVER! It probably is. And what heart rending views. I love the place already. Off to read more about it, thank you for elevating the temperature of my wet, snowy Sunday, Tara!!
You truly will be the very best guide for the upcoming trip to Jordan in March. Looking so forward to it!
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 13 December 2009 at 18:57