Bethlehem celebrated its first fully festive Christmas in more than two years, as the city emerged from the shadow of the Gaza war. Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Church of the Nativity for midnight mass, filling pews long before the service began. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, led the procession and urged messages of peace, hope, and solidarity, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the Nativity story even in turbulent times.
The celebration coincided with a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, where thousands continue to face harsh winter conditions in makeshift shelters. Despite the lingering suffering, the festive spirit returned to Bethlehem with parades, music, and a bustling Manger Square adorned with colorful lights and a towering Christmas tree. Locals and pilgrims alike embraced the joyous atmosphere, seeing it as a symbol of resilience and the desire for renewal.
Around the world, Christmas Eve was observed with a mix of celebration and reflection. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV conducted his first Christmas Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, calling for “24 hours of peace” and denouncing an economy that treats humans as mere merchandise. Families globally gathered for festive dinners, exchanged gifts, and followed annual traditions like the Flightradar24 Santa tracker, marking the journey of Father Christmas from the North Pole.
In Syria, Damascus’ Old City lit up with Christmas decorations despite security concerns after recent violence. Students and residents expressed hope for a future filled with joy and safety, embracing the festive atmosphere with cautious optimism. In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the somber mood following a recent attack during Hanukkah, noting that this year’s celebrations carried a deeper weight of sorrow.
For Bethlehem, the return of Christmas festivities symbolized more than holiday cheer—it represented resilience, faith, and the universal longing for peace after years of conflict. From the Church of the Nativity to Manger Square, the celebrations highlighted the city’s historic and spiritual significance while reflecting the broader global desire for hope and renewal during the holiday season.
