Bethlehem Christians Refrain from Decorating Christmas Trees and Lighting Due to War
Christians in Bethlehem refrained from decorating their Christmas trees and lighting lights due to the war between Israel and Hamas.
Every year, to celebrate Christmas, Christian countries decorate Christmas trees, and the streets, houses, and even the trees along the streets are illuminated, and this magnificent ceremony is celebrated with great joy.
On the eve of this year, the world has witnessed the clashes between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and it has been two consecutive months since the war began. Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, neighboring Jerusalem, and the Christians of this city have decided to refrain from decorating their Christmas trees and lighting their homes and streets due to the current war and the deaths and captivity of many people.
Every year in the first days of December, church leaders gather in Bethlehem and take the necessary steps to decorate the streets and squares of the city to usher in a new season of prayers and joy before the birth of Jesus Christ; because this event is considered one of the most important tourist attractions, but this year, due to the war between Israel and Hamas, all the streets and squares of the city are empty and dark.
"We have never seen Bethlehem like this, even during Covid, the city is empty and sad. Today was supposed to be a day of joy, the Palestinians are suffering because of the many children, women, the elderly, people who have been martyred in this crazy war. That is why, for the first time in the memories of many residents and Christians of Bethlehem, this year there is no Christmas tree in the Nativity Square," said Abraham Faltas, a senior spiritual leader in front of the Church of Jesus Christ.
