Christmas lights once again shine over Bethlehem, marking a moment of cautious hope as the city celebrates Christmas publicly for the first time in two years.
A towering Christmas tree now stands in Manger Square, facing the Church of the Nativity, after festivities were previously suspended in solidarity with Palestinians suffering during the war in Gaza. This year’s celebrations come as a fragile ceasefire holds, allowing families and pilgrims alike to witness a renewed expression of faith in the place where Christ was born.
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The reopening of Christmas observances was formally inaugurated by Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who arrived in Bethlehem following a visit to Gaza’s only Catholic parish, the Church of the Holy Family. According to Vatican News, the Patriarch carried with him greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community and spoke of their “strong desire to rebuild,” while expressing hope that this Christmas would be marked by light.
For Bethlehem, the return of celebrations holds profound economic as well as spiritual meaning. Vatican News reports that approximately 85 percent of local families depend directly or indirectly on tourism, which collapsed during the conflict. Hotel workers, shopkeepers selling religious articles, taxi drivers, restaurant owners, and tour guides have endured severe hardship as pilgrimages and travel came to a standstill.
The situation has been worsened by broader pressures across the West Bank, including revoked work permits and partial salary payments to Palestinian Authority employees, leaving many families struggling to meet basic needs.
Yet amid these difficulties, the people of Bethlehem continue to witness to resilience. Speaking to Vatican Radio, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati explained that the renewed celebrations were intentionally designed to restore hope after a prolonged period of uncertainty. “After two years of silence,” he said, “we believe we have reignited the spirit of Christmas, because the people of Bethlehem needed hope—hope for a better tomorrow.”
The mayor emphasized that the message emerging from Bethlehem extends far beyond the city itself. According to Vatican News, he said the renewed celebrations communicate that “the Palestinian people are ready for peace” and affirmed that “the Palestinian people love life.” He also underscored that Bethlehem is prepared once again to welcome visitors, stating that the city is safe and open to pilgrims.
Significantly, the celebrations are being embraced across religious lines. Mayor Canawati noted that the joy of Christmas is shared by all Palestinians, not only Christians. “It feels like a feast for all Palestinians, not only for Christians,” he said, adding, “We are one people—Christians, Muslims, and Samaritans. We love each other, we love peace, and we are ready for justice, peace, and a lasting peace in our country.”
For Catholics around the world, Bethlehem’s renewed Christmas celebrations stand as a quiet but powerful reminder that the mystery of Christ’s birth continues to speak into places marked by suffering. From the same streets where the Prince of Peace first entered the world, a message of hope, unity, and perseverance is once again being proclaimed.
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