Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the rationale for the Christmas season.
Hundreds of thousands of Christians yearly flock to town within the West Financial institution to rejoice the beginning of their savior
However this 12 months will probably be completely different within the historical metropolis, due to conflict.
‘Bethlehem will stand darkish and abandoned’
Bethlehem is only a stone’s throw from Jerusalem, and homes many locations essential to Christianity, together with the Church of the Nativity and the Church of St. Catherine.
CNN reports:
For Palestinians, Christmas in Bethlehem represents a window to the world. It has lengthy been synonymous with pleasure and hope, and an event to commemorate the homeland of the Christmas story itself.
Image the colourful streets adorned with festive lights, the air full of the melodies of choirs and boy scouts parading with their musical devices, whereas those that are celebrating style conventional Palestinian Arabic meals. …
This 12 months, nonetheless, there will solely be a shadow of the dazzling Christmas tree in Manger Sq., the place Christians, Muslims and guests from all over the world normally collect to rejoice.
Bethlehem will stand darkish and abandoned – a poignant reflection of the struggling endured by the Palestinian folks, notably within the Gaza Strip.
Earlier final month, the Patriarchs and Heads of Church buildings in Jerusalem called on their congregations to forgo the customary celebrations, whereas nonetheless upholding the spiritual and non secular features of Christmas.
The birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ, darkish and abandoned on Christmas.
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A unique sort of Christmas in Bethlehem
The dearth of celebrating Christ’s birthplace because of conflict is unlucky to say the least.
Christmas is a time for mates, household, and acknowledging God’s love.
This Christmas is not any completely different – however the Christians caught within the crossfire must discover one other approach to rejoice.
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