BETHLEHEM, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES — The historic city of Bethlehem marked a subdued Christmas on Tuesday as the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militants cast a shadow over traditional celebrations. Christians gathered at the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, while Pope Francis led mass at the Vatican.
A Christmas Overshadowed by Conflict
For the second year in a row, Bethlehem’s iconic festive decorations were absent, reflecting the somber mood. Crowds in Manger Square were smaller than in pre-conflict years, with only a few hundred people present. A scout parade broke the morning silence, carrying a sign reading, “Our children want to play and laugh.”
Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman noted the decision to limit celebrations, saying, “This year we tempered our joy.” Midnight mass and other prayers were held with the participation of Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who recently visited Gaza. “I saw destruction and poverty,” he said, “but also resilience and hope. Never give up.”
Christians Turn to Prayer
While the mood in Bethlehem was somber, many Christians in the Holy Land found solace in prayer. “Christmas is a time of faith. We’re praying for peace and an end to our suffering,” Salman said.
In Gaza, hundreds of Christians gathered in a 12th-century Greek Orthodox church, praying amidst the devastation. “This Christmas smells of death and destruction,” said George al-Sayegh, a resident seeking refuge in the church. “We don’t know who will survive until the next holiday.”
Global Reflections of the Season
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Christians in Damascus protested the burning of a Christmas tree in a nearby town, a stark reminder of ongoing challenges for religious minorities in Syria. Meanwhile, in Germany, Christmas markets were overshadowed by a recent attack, prompting a message of hope from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier: “Hatred and violence must not prevail.”
Pope Francis opened Jubilee 2025 at the Vatican with a ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The pope also condemned recent military actions in Gaza, calling for peace and compassion.
Joy Amid Challenges
Despite these challenges, moments of joy persisted. Families worldwide celebrated Christmas Eve with meals, gift exchanges, and traditions like tracking Santa Claus. NORAD assured the public that drone sightings would not hinder Santa’s global journey, reporting his stops across Asia and beyond.
In Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral hosted its first Christmas mass since reopening after the devastating 2019 fire. Worshippers gathered early, with one attendee describing the experience as “a superb moment.”
