The Joyful Mysteries of the Lord’s life from the Holy Land

First Joyful Mystery of Christ’s life: The Annunciation at Nazareth in Galilee.

In Nazareth, we see nestled inside the Church of the Annunciation, the small ancient cave-house where Mary lived in that tiny village. Here she received the messenger from God, the Lord of all the universe, revealing his desire to become flesh through her consent.

Second Joyful Mystery of Christ’s life: The Visitation of Mary with her cousin Elizabeth who was expecting John the Baptist

The picturesque town of Ein Karem is nestled in hill-country of Judea close to Jerusalem. Mary may have encountered Elizabeth at the well of her home within a vineyard, the remains of both of which are protected inside the lower lever of the two-story Church of the Visitation, on a hillside overlooking Ein Karem’s beautiful garden-filled valleys.

Third Joyful Mystery of Christ’s life: The Nativity of Jesus at Bethlehem

Innumerable caves dot the fields in and around the small but important town of Ancient Bethlehem. The one identified by first Christians as the place where Mary gave birth to Jesus lies secure within the 4th century Church of the Nativity, about 5 miles from Jerusalem.

Fourth Joyful Mystery of Christ’s life: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Pilgrims can still touch the first-century stone door frames of the ancient Hulda Gates that lead up the ancient Temple Mount at the time of Jesus. Mary and Joseph like ascended these stone steps with the infant Jesus when they met the wise Simeon and Anna who had been awaiting the Salvation of the Israelites.

Fifth Joyful Mystery of Christ’s life: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph

The ancient temple mount is recognized by the stunning golden Dome of the Rock that is part of the Al Aqsa Mosque, built where the temple of Jesus’ time once stood. The Western Wall of the temple is the main place of prayer for Jewish people today, and is where Bar and Bat mitzvas are still celebrated today, for children of the same age as when Jesus stayed in the temple