Nazareth
Nazareth is believed to be the place where Jesus spent his childhood. Therefore, Christians visit places in Nazareth that are said to mark areas of importance to Jesus' family.
pilgrimA person who performs a journey which has religious or spiritual significance, known as a pilgrimage. can visit the Church of the Annunciation. Some Christians believe that this church is built over the home of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Here, Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel who gave her the news that she would give birth to a son whom she should name Jesus.
The Church of Saint Joseph is believed by some Christians to have been built over the area where Joseph had his carpentry shop.
Some pilgrims walk between Nazareth and Bethlehem as part of their pilgrimageA journey which has religious or spiritual significance, usually to an important religious place.. They believe that when they do this, they are following in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph who travelled to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. The journey ends in Nativity Square in Bethlehem.
Nature and importance
As with Bethlehem, the belief is that by visiting such sites, they can be closer to the historical figure of Jesus. The incarnationThe belief that God took human form in Jesus Christ. It is also the belief that God in Christ is active in the Church and in the world. is a very important belief for many Christians.
The opportunity to pray in the church which marks or represents the place of the Angel Gabriel's promise to Mary is very important to Christian pilgrims. Many Christian pilgrims believe that they may gain a better understanding of their beliefs and have the opportunity to demonstrate their devotionLoyalty and dedication. to their religion through worshipTo show devotion to God and/or religion through actions - for example, prayer..