(CLO) Christmas in Bethlehem, located about 10 km south of Jerusalem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and considered the birthplace of Jesus Christ, continues to be heavily affected by the war in Gaza.
For the second year in a row, the Christian holy city, known for its festive atmosphere, was without a Christmas tree and traditional decorations. Manger Square, the heart of Bethlehem and home to the Church of the Nativity, was devoid of the bright lights of its trees, replaced by a quiet space, reflecting the somber mood caused by the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militants.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Church of the Nativity for religious services on December 24. But the crowds were sparse and not as lively as in previous Christmas seasons, when Bethlehem typically attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims. The somber mood was a result of the conflict in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of people since it began last October.
A past Christmas in Bethlehem. Photo: Tourist Israel
Although Christmas festivities were curtailed, a small parade organized by the Terra Sancta Scouts broke the morning silence. The children wore red uniforms and held banners with powerful messages such as “We want life, not death” and “Stop the genocide in Gaza!” The crowd was small, but it showed resilience and hope amid difficult circumstances.
Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman said the local government had decided to hold a modest celebration out of respect for the Palestinians suffering in Gaza. "This year we have limited our joy," he said, adding that this year's festival would be more deeply religious, with prayers and a solemn midnight mass.
Despite the gloomy mood, for the Holy Land's Christian community – which numbers around 185,000 in Israel and 47,000 in the Palestinian territories – Christmas is a time for prayer and finding solace in faith. "We will pray and ask God to end our suffering. Christmas is a holiday of faith," said Mayor Salman.
Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, also shared a message of hope as he prepared to preside over midnight Mass in Bethlehem. He reflected on his recent visit to Gaza, where he witnessed devastation and disaster, but also saw the resilience of the people. “We are stronger, we belong to the light, not the darkness,” he asserted.
With messages like these, the Christian community in Bethlehem and throughout the Holy Land continues to hold on to faith in a better future, a future they hope will see peace return after months of bloodshed and pain.
Ngoc Anh (according to AFP, AJ)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/noi-chua-jesus-ra-doi-don-giang-sinh-u-am-duoi-bong-toi-chien-tranh-post327357.html
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