The tallest Christmas tree in the region, standing 15 meters high, shone brightly outside the Church of the Nativity—widely believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus. For locals, it wasn’t just a religious ceremony, but a vote of confidence in the future of their historic city.

Faith And Resilience Return To Manger Square

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, launched the festivities with his traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Just prior, he had visited the Church of the Holy Family in war-torn Gaza, bringing with him a message of solidarity from the Christian community there.

According to Pizzaballa, Gaza’s Christians remain hopeful and are eager to see “a Christmas of light,” despite the devastation around them and the camps filled with displaced families. The truce in Gaza, though fragile, has opened a sliver of space for celebration and reflection.

Bethlehem’s mayor, Maher Nicola Canawati, took center stage with firm words of optimism and patriotism, not partisanship. “After two years of silence,” he said, “we believe we have reignited the spirit of Christmas, because the people of Bethlehem needed hope—hope for a better tomorrow. And that is exactly what we have done.”

Economic Hope From Renewed Tourism

Tourism is more than decoration and fanfare in Bethlehem—it’s survival. Over 85% of local families depend on the industry, which collapsed when festivities came to a halt during recent periods of unrest.

Hotels, small shops, taxi services, and tour guides have watched their livelihoods vanish in recent times. The mayor’s declaration that “Bethlehem is safe, hotels are open, and we are ready to receive everyone,” wasn’t just an invitation—it was a plea for economic restoration.

Locals aren’t naive about the challenges they’re facing. The city remains one of the most economically fragile in the West Bank, with almost no meaningful industrial or agricultural base to cushion shocks from political instability.

Challenges Beyond Celebration Still Loom Large

The Israeli government’s revocation of seasonal worker entry permits has only added salt to economic wounds, leaving many Bethlehem families scrambling for alternative income. Add to that the irregular payments to Palestinian Authority employees, and the table is set for a rough winter, one no amount of fairy lights can make warm.

Mayor Canawati isn’t backing down. “It is a message that the Palestinian people are ready for peace. The Palestinian people love life,” he said, sounding more like a statesman than a city administrator.

He pushed further to appeal across faith lines, saying, “We are one people—Christians, Muslims, and Samaritans. We love each other, we love peace, and we are ready for justice, peace, and a lasting peace in our country.”

A Cultural Celebration With A Deeper Purpose

The return of Christmas in Bethlehem isn’t a Hallmark card moment—it’s something weightier. It reflects widespread resilience and a quiet admission that joy and dignity don’t have to be luxuries reserved for the powerful cities of the West.

Despite hardships, the citizens of Bethlehem stood tall under a glowing tree, insisting their heritage and hope are still worth showcasing to the world. It wasn’t just about religion—it was about identity, unity, and a refusal to be forgotten.