BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Thousands of people gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Christmas Eve, celebrating a much-needed boost of holiday spirit after two years of subdued festivities due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Families throughout the Holy Land participated in the celebrations, marking a significant moment of joy amidst ongoing tensions.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV presided over his inaugural Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, he spoke of the profound wisdom of the Christmas story, emphasizing the arrival of an infant Jesus meant to save humanity. “In the face of the suffering of the poor, (God) sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again,” said the first U.S. pope to a packed congregation.
The Christmas tree once again graced Manger Square in Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born. Last year, Christmas celebrations in the city had been canceled due to the war. In a poignant move, the wartime nativity scene depicting baby Jesus surrounded by rubble and barbed wire, a homage to Gaza’s plight, was temporarily replaced by the giant tree.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land, initiated this year's celebrations with a traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. He called for “a Christmas full of light,” conveying greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community, where he previously held a pre-Christmas Mass. In the midst of destruction, he sensed a desire to rebuild and instilled a message of hope to the diverse assembly of Christian and Muslim attendees.
Despite the holiday cheer, the aftermath of the war is palpable in the West Bank, particularly in Bethlehem, where nearly 80% of the city’s residents rely on tourism-related businesses. Local insights reveal that while only a few foreign visitors were present, some residents noted early signs of a tourism comeback.
Bethlehem resident Georgette Jackaman described the day as one of joy and hope, symbolizing a return to normalcy, especially for her two children, aged 2 1/2 and 10 months. During the war, the Jackamans adapted their livelihoods by creating a website to sell Palestinian handicrafts, assisting others who lost jobs due to the conflict. The city's unemployment rate swelled from 14% to a staggering 65%, according to Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati.
A visitor from France, Mona Riewer, expressed that being in Bethlehem deepened her understanding of the holiday’s significance, remarking, “Christmas is like hope in very dark situations.” While a ceasefire in Gaza took effect in October, tensions persist in the West Bank, highlighted by ongoing Israeli military operations against militants and increasing violence from Israeli settlers towards Palestinians.
Mary Kamal, who previously worked in logistics for tour groups, shared her excitement about the return of marching bands in the streets of Bethlehem—a stark contrast to the previous two years, when scouts marched silently in protest against the war. Irene Kirmiz, a Bethlehem native now living in Ramallah, reminisced about the joy of attending the parade, although they faced long delays at Israeli checkpoints, emphasizing the obstacles faced by Palestinians in their daily lives.
For the last two years, church leaders in Jerusalem have urged congregations to eschew unnecessary festivities and focus instead on the spiritual essence of Christmas, accompanied by fervent prayers for lasting peace in the region.
Other celebrations across the Middle East underscored the resilience of the faithful. Nazareth witnessed a vibrant return of the traditional Christmas parade, drawing children and families to participate in live Nativity scenes. In Gaza, the only Catholic church held a Mass filled with festive children’s programming, despite having been affected by military actions in July, which tragically resulted in fatalities.
On the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, congregants attended Christmas Mass at a Greek Orthodox church that was targeted in a suicide attack earlier in the year, showcasing the determination to celebrate amidst adversity.
Globally, the holiday was embraced in various forms, from ice-skating in New York City to a long-standing tradition in Florida where surfers dressed as Santa took to the waves at Cocoa Beach. This event not only entertained thousands of spectators but also raised funds for local charities.
As communities around the globe gathered to celebrate Christmas despite ongoing challenges, the spirit of resilience and hope prevailed, reminding everyone of the unifying power of the holiday season.
