[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31267]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        THE JOURNEY OF THE MAGI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TONY P. HALL

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the new millennium, our 
focus has been, more or less, with Y2K issues rather than the fact 
that, for Christians around the world, it represents the 2000th 
anniversary of the birth of Jesus.
  To those and many others, the new millennium provides a rare 
opportunity for new beginnings and renewed hope which will challenge 
all people of goodwill to rededicate themselves to the principles of 
justice, mercy, forgiveness and peace--precepts made more fundamental 
by the conflict, turmoil and suffering sadly evident in the lands of 
the Bible and throughout the world.
  In this spirit, church families of the Middle East, both ancient and 
modern, are inviting peace-loving people to join them in celebrating 
this opportunity and this anniversary commemoration. Sponsored by the 
Holy Land Trust, part of the commemoration will be a historic 
reenactment of the Journey of the Magi, the original pilgrimage of the 
three wise men over 1,000 miles to Bethlehem to witness and honor the 
birth of Jesus.
  This historic undertaking will have pilgrims from many nations 
traveling for 99 days by foot, horse and camel along ancient caravan 
routes through six countries that make up the holy lands of the Bible, 
commencing in mid-September of next year and ending on December 25th in 
Bethlehem.
  Like the three wise men who brought offerings of peace to Bethlehem, 
the participants in the Journey of the Magi 2000 will also bear modern 
day offerings. During each day of the 99 days of the trip, humanitarian 
assistance will be given to the needy people of the country through 
which the travelers pass.
  This pilgrimage of peace is being coordinated by the Holy Land Trust 
and the Middle East Council of Churches, as an expression of the deep-
seated desire of church families of the Middle East to seek peace and 
peace-makers. We appreciate the spirit and purpose of this event, as 
well as the incredible challenge it represents, and believe it deserves 
our support.
  We trust that all people of goodwill will encourage and support the 
Journey of the Magi 2000 and other efforts to relieve suffering and 
promote peace as a fitting entry into the new millennium.

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