Bethlehem in the West Bank revived its Christmas festival with lively celebrations for the first time in over two years after a gloomy period caused by the Gaza war. A wave of believers filled the Church of the Nativity to capacity for Mass. Parades, music, and lights brought the city back to life amid calls for peace and hopes for a new beginning.,
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the West Bank, officially and fully celebrated Christmas on Wednesday night for the first time since the Gaza war. Hundreds of worshippers attended Mass at the Church of the Nativity amid an atmosphere of joy after years of sorrow.
During the conflict that began with Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, previous Christmas celebrations were subdued. This year, festivities returned vigorously with parades and music throughout the city, while Gaza remains under a fragile ceasefire and many displaced people face winter in temporary tents.
At the fully seated Church of the Nativity before midnight, many worshippers had to stand or sit on the floor to join the ceremony. At 11:15 p.m., the organ played as clergy entered the church. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, blessed the attendees.
In his sermon, Cardinal Pizzaballa called for peace, hope, and renewal, noting that the meaning of Christmas remains relevant in a turbulent world. He urged moving beyond the “logic of domination” toward love, unity, and justice. Referring to his recent visit to Gaza, he said suffering remains evident despite the ceasefire; deep wounds persist, but the spirit and desire for a new start resonate strongly.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the first Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for “24 hours of peace worldwide.” He described Christmas as a celebration of faith, charity, and hope, while criticizing a distorted economic system that views humans merely as commodities. He refrained from directly addressing political situations.
Worldwide, families celebrated Christmas Eve, with children eagerly awaiting gifts. Some platforms tracked Santa Claus’s journey as part of annual tradition.
In Bethlehem, drums and bagpipes played Christmas tunes as crowds poured into Manger Square. Participants in the parade, including Catholic scouts in uniform, expressed joy at celebrating again after the war. The parade moved along Star Street amid dense crowds.
People dressed as Santa Claus sold candy and toys, while families took photos in front of a nativity scene under a large star. At night, multicolored lights illuminated the square, and a large Christmas tree glittered beside the Church of the Nativity, an ancient 4th-century church built over the cave believed to be Jesus’s birthplace more than 2,000 years ago.
Residents hope the return of festivities will revive the economy and the city’s image. An Italian pilgrim said the atmosphere inspires hope and believes that with hearts full of love, a world without war is possible.
In Syria, Christmas lights brightened the old city of Damascus despite ongoing safety concerns following a major attack in June. Locals said they deserve happiness and hope for a new future. Shops were decorated with colors, and street vendors selling roasted chestnuts added to the festive mood.
Australia’s leaders delivered cautious Christmas messages following an attack at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, acknowledging that many people feel differently this year and still carry sorrow in their hearts.
The Christmas atmosphere across the Middle East and globally reflects hope for new beginnings. Although shadows of conflict remain, desires for peace, renewal, and celebration have returned once more.
/sourceAFP