The heavens declare the glory of God;
Psalm 19:1, 4-6
the skies proclaim the work of his hands….
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
This morning, when most of you were starting to think about going to bed, I was waking up early to hike to see the sunrise.
Leaving at 4:30 am (9:30 pm Eastern time), eight of us set out from JUC, walking south of the Old City, passing Zion Gate and Dung Gate. We continued north along the eastern side of the Temple Mount (the eastern most part of the Old City) before turning east and crossing the deep Kidron Valley. From there we ascended the steep Mount of Olives, passing the traditional Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was arrested. Reaching the top, we hung a left and headed north toward Hebrew University and eventually found an outlook, from which we could see for miles in the predawn light. Only the haze obscured our view. In the distance we could see the Dead Sea (about 15 miles away) and the mountains of Moab (the modern country of Jordan). Having waited less than 30 minutes, the sun rose at 6:15 am, poking its fiery red head above the haze-obscured horizon and ascending majestically into the sky.
After enjoying the view, taking many pictures, reading some Scriptures, and praying, we began the hour trek back. The city was illuminated by the early morning sun, providing a very different view than the hike up. The golden dome of the Dome of the Rock brightly reflected the sun as it peaked over the Mount of Olives.
We arrived back at JUC in time for breakfast. It was definitely worthwhile hike.
