Christmas Cancelled in the Birthplace of Christ

Jesus' Birthplace Bethlehem Cancels Christmas

Above the location believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, a painting adorns the space within the Grotto of the Nativity—an underground cave situated beneath the Basilica of the Nativity. Bethlehem, located in the occupied West Bank of Palestine pauses to mourn the situation in Gaza. Dan Lundberg/Flickr

Bethlehem's Silent Night

In a poignant display of unity with the suffering Palestinians in Gaza, Bethlehem, the sacred birthplace of Jesus Christ, has made the heart-wrenching decision to cancel its traditional Christmas festivities. The streets normally adorned with lights and decorations during the holiday season, now bear a somber atmosphere as the city grapples with the ongoing conflict and its toll on the region. Above, you see Manger Square at Christmas, Bethlehem, Palestine, in 2012. Ben & Gab/Flickr

Bethlehem Mourns, World Watches

The image from 1890 show Pilgrims entering Bethlehem at Christmas time. Bethlehem has been a significant pilgrimage site for Christians for centuries. As the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem holds deep religious and historical significance for Christians worldwide. Pilgrims from various denominations visit Bethlehem to connect with the roots of their faith, participate in religious ceremonies, and experience the cultural and spiritual heritage associated with the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of Jesus' birth, is a major pilgrimage destination and a symbol of Bethlehem's enduring role in Christian pilgrimage. Library of Congress/ Wikimedia Commons

Symbolism Amidst Rubble

Delivering a sermon against the poignant backdrop of a nativity scene surrounded by rubble, Reverend Isaac Munther, a Palestinian pastor in Bethlehem, speaks passionately about the symbolism of Christmas amid the ongoing crisis. Despite the cancellation of festive celebrations, Reverend Munther asserts that the spirit of Christmas cannot be extinguished, echoing a message of hope in the face of adversity. Reverend Isaac Munther/Twitter

Reverend Mitri Raheb's Reflection

Reverend Mitri Raheb, the esteemed president of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, shared his insights with Democracy Now! on the profound connection between the Christmas story and the struggles of displaced Gazans. Drawing parallels between the biblical narrative of a refugee family seeking refuge and the challenges faced by Gazans today, Reverend Raheb emphasizes that the Christmas story is inherently a Palestinian story, calling for greater awareness and action from the global Christian community. Mitiri Raheb/mitriraheb.org

Pope Francis Condemns Acts of Terrorism

The international stage reacts as Pope Francis condemns Israel's actions in Gaza, specifically citing an incident where an Israeli sniper killed two women seeking refuge in a Catholic church. The Pope's strong words underscore the urgent need for global attention and intervention in the escalating crisis, particularly concerning the safety of religious sites in the region.

On Nov. 22, Pope Francis met with residents of Gaza. Vatican Media

Born Under the Rubble

As Bethlehem mourns and cancels its traditional Christmas celebrations, the world watches closely, grappling with the complexities of the situation in Gaza and the broader implications for the region. The photo encapsulates the heavy atmosphere in Bethlehem during what is typically a festive season, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for global attention and intervention.

Reverend Isaac Munther, a Palestinian pastor in Bethlehem said: "If Christ were to be born today, he'd be born under the rubble. Reverend Isaac Munther/Twitter

Congressional Efforts & Persistent Attacks

Efforts by congressional staffers to protect religious institutions in Gaza through the provision of coordinates have faced obstacles, as attacks on churches persist. Politico reports on the challenges faced by aid organizations and the ongoing struggles to shield churches and convents from military strikes, raising concerns about the broader impact of the conflict on the Christian community. Canva

A Reverend's Fear for Christians

Reverend Mitri Raheb expresses deep concern and fear that the current situation could mark "the end of the Christian presence in Gaza." Highlighting the rich history of Christianity in the region, dating back over 2,000 years, Reverend Raheb laments the potential extinction of this community due to the ongoing conflict and calls for international attention to prevent such a tragic outcome.

"People are not coming, because of the war." Democracy Now!