Bethlehem celebrates Christmas Wednesday night as worshippers filled the Church of the Nativity for mass. Hundreds gathered to mark the city’s first festive holiday in over two years.
The celebrations come after a period of somber Christmases due to war in Gaza. A fragile truce allowed Bethlehem to hold crowded parades, music, and religious services in the occupied West Bank city.
At 11:15 pm (2115 GMT), organ music filled the church as clergymen entered in procession. Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, blessed the crowd with signs of the cross. In his homily, he urged peace, hope, and rebirth, saying the Nativity story remains relevant today.
“Christmas invites us to look beyond domination and rediscover love, solidarity, and justice,” Pizzaballa said. He also spoke of visiting war-battered Gaza, noting that suffering persists but that the proclamation of Christmas continues.
Outside the church, Bethlehem celebrates with parades along Star Street and gatherings at Manger Square. Drums and bagpipes played Christmas carols as families admired the giant Christmas tree and nativity scene. Residents expressed joy at being able to celebrate openly after years of conflict.
Seventeen-year-old Milagros Anstas said, “Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war.” Italian pilgrim Carmelina Piedimonte added that witnessing the festivities filled her with hope.
Local leaders hope Bethlehem celebrates Christmas as a symbol of resilience and renewal. George Hanna from nearby Beit Jala said the celebrations send a message of peace and life to the world.
Globally, Christmas celebrations continued in cities like Damascus, Australia, and at the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV called for “24 hours of peace in the world.” Families worldwide gathered to mark Christmas Eve, and children eagerly awaited gifts.
For Bethlehem, the city’s historic Church of the Nativity, dating back to the fourth century, became the heart of joyous celebrations. Bethlehem celebrates Christmas not only as a religious event but as a sign of recovery and hope for the future.
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