Thousands gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Christmas Eve as public celebrations returned after two years of muted observances caused by the war in Gaza. The towering Christmas tree was reinstalled in the square, replacing a wartime nativity display that had symbolized suffering and loss.
Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, had largely canceled festivities during the conflict. This year’s celebrations marked a cautious revival of holiday traditions and community life.
Pope Leo XIV Marks First Christmas Eve Mass
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, the first U.S.-born pope reflected on the humility of the Christmas story, emphasizing the birth of Jesus as a symbol of hope and renewal amid suffering.
“In the face of the suffering of the poor, God sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again,” Leo told worshippers filling the basilica.
Call for Light and Renewal in the Holy Land
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land, led the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and called for “a Christmas full of light.” He said he carried greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community, where he celebrated a pre-Christmas Mass days earlier.
Addressing crowds of Christians and Muslims, Pizzaballa spoke of resilience and the shared desire to rebuild after months of devastation.
Economic Struggles Persist in Bethlehem
Despite renewed celebrations, the effects of war remain severe in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Tourism, the backbone of Bethlehem’s economy, has been slow to recover. Local officials say unemployment has surged dramatically, forcing thousands of residents to leave in search of work.
Some residents reported early signs of improvement as limited tourism returns, offering cautious optimism for businesses tied to pilgrimage and travel.
Hope for Families and Future
For longtime Bethlehem residents like tour guides Georgette and Michael Jackaman, the celebrations carried deep meaning. This Christmas marked the first full holiday their young children have experienced. During the war, the couple turned to selling Palestinian handicrafts online to help support families who lost income.
Visitors also reflected on the symbolism of celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem. “Christmas is like hope in very dark situations,” said French visitor Mona Riewer.
Ongoing Tensions in the West Bank
While a ceasefire in Gaza has allowed celebrations to resume, tensions remain high in the West Bank. Israeli military raids and settler attacks have increased, and movement restrictions continue to disrupt daily life for Palestinians, including those traveling to Bethlehem for the holidays.
Christian leaders have repeatedly urged worshippers to focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas while praying for lasting peace in the region.
Faith and Resilience Across the Region
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Christmas events highlighted resilience amid hardship. In Nazareth, festive parades returned, filling streets with children, music and nativity scenes. In Gaza, Christmas Eve Mass was held at the territory’s only Catholic church, months after it was damaged by shelling.
In Syria, worshippers prepared to return to churches previously targeted by violence, gathering to light Christmas displays as a sign of perseverance.
Global Celebrations Continue
At St. Peter’s Basilica, about 6,000 people attended Mass inside, with thousands more watching from the rain-soaked square outside. The service featured readings in multiple languages, underscoring the global reach of the holiday.
Around the world, Christmas traditions unfolded far beyond churches — from ice-skating in New York to charity swims in Northern Ireland. In Florida, hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa rode the waves in a festive fundraiser, blending holiday cheer with community support.
For more on the new pope, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.