Bethlehem experienced a vibrant return to Christmas celebrations on Wednesday, marking the first full festivities in over two years as the city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza. Scouts marched under clear skies, signaling a shift in tone from the somber atmosphere that marked the holiday during the recent conflict.
A Fragile Return to Joy
The war in Gaza, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, cast a pall over Christmas in Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ. However, a recent US-brokered ceasefire has brought a temporary halt to full-scale fighting, allowing for a renewed sense of hope and celebration. Despite the truce, hundreds of thousands remain in makeshift tents facing the winter months in the Gaza Strip.
Celebrations in Bethlehem included a parade down Star Street, with hundreds participating and a large crowd gathering in Manger Square. The city was adorned with a towering Christmas tree, and the sounds of drums and bagpipes playing Christmas carols filled the air.
Global Observance and a Plea for Peace
The return to celebration wasn’t limited to Bethlehem. In the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, having previously called for “24 hours of peace in the whole world.”
Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This year we want a Christmas full of light because this is what we need after two years of darkness,” before leading Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity. He recently visited Gaza, leading a Christmas Mass at the Holy Family Parish on Sunday.
Witnesses, like Carmelina Piedimonte, who traveled from Italy, expressed hope and a belief in the power of peace. “If in your heart you have love, then it’s possible to have a world without war,” she said.
Bethlehem’s municipality had previously scaled back Christmas festivities due to the conflict, but residents now hope the return of celebrations will revitalize the city. “We need to get the message to the whole world and this is the only way,” said George Hanna, from Beit Jala.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the change in Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations?
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas halted full-scale fighting, allowing Bethlehem to move forward with more robust Christmas festivities after a period of scaled-back celebrations during the war.
What did Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa observe during his visit to Gaza?
Cardinal Pizzaballa described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” but also noted a “desire of life” among the people there, even “in the midst of nothing.”
What was the overall sentiment expressed by those celebrating in Bethlehem?
The overall sentiment was one of joy and hope, with residents expressing a desire to share a message of peace with the world and to revitalize their city after a period of hardship.
What does it mean for a city with such historical and religious significance to be able to celebrate Christmas again after a period of conflict?
