Rev. Shaji Karackal
Bethlehem, Gaza: “We, all together, we decide to be the light, and the light of Bethlehem is the light of the world,” declared Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who has served as the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020 told the thousands flocked in the square to kickoff the celebrations to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, during a traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. In Manger Square, which is named for the manger in which Christian tradition says Jesus was laid after his birth, Pizzaballa said that he came with greetings from the Christian community in Gaza.
In November, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati announced that the city would see a return of Christmas celebrations.
“From the heart of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, the city of peace — once again, we ignite the flame of hope and raise our prayers for peace,” Canawati said in a video posted to Instagram.
“Let us celebrate together the message of Christmas,” he added. “Glory to God in the highest — on Earth, peace, goodwill to all. Bethlehem keeps the light alive.”
Congregants at the Holy Family Church (Gaza’s only Catholic parish) have erected Christmas trees with ornaments, tinsel, wreaths, and nativity scenes. They’ve baked pastries, distributed sweets, and rehearsed hymns. Similar modest efforts occurred at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius and among the small Baptist community sheltering in the damaged Gaza Baptist Church.
Joy is tempered by grief. Residents like 11-year-old George Messaqo expressed happiness but noted, “Before the war, Christmas was more beautiful” with more family present. Many mourn lost relatives and separated loved ones abroad. Mousa Ayyad of a Christian center described it as “celebrating a new beginning” for peace, while others stressed creating normalcy for children amid displacement.
