Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem

After a two-year pause due to the Gaza War, the festive spirit is making a comeback in Bethlehem, located in the West Bank.

Mayor Maher Kanawati announced that the celebrations will kick off on December 6th with the iconic lighting of the Christmas tree in Manger Square.

“From the heart of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ and a city of peace, we rekindle the flame of hope and pray for peace,” the mayor shared in an Instagram video.

“Let’s come together to celebrate the message of Christmas,” he continued. “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill to all. Bethlehem shines bright again.”

Manger Square, right in the middle of Bethlehem, is named after the manger where Jesus was laid after his birth.

Robert Jeffress, the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, expressed his encouragement at seeing “the little town of Bethlehem.” He emphasized the importance of celebrating the birth of “the most significant person in history.”

He went on to say, “While it’s heartening to see this temporary peace that has halted hostilities, we really need to recognize that this peace, well, it might not last.”

Jeffress added, “The Bible tells us that true and lasting peace in the Middle East won’t come until the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, returns to establish His kingdom.”

During Christmas, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit Bethlehem from all corners of the globe. In 2019, then-Mayor Anton Salman anticipated around 1.4 million guests for the festivities.

He remarked, “I’ve been mayor for two and a half years, and I’ve celebrated Christmas through different seasons. The celebrations feel more organized and have become more appealing to both locals and visitors.”

The Church of the Nativity, recently renovated in 2019, stands above the cave traditionally recognized as Jesus Christ’s birthplace.