Palestinian Christians Mark Somber Christmas Amid Conflict

This Christmas, the Christian communities in Bethlehem and Gaza are facing profound challenges due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. In Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity hosted a subdued celebration, with prayers and masses overshadowed by the absence of festive decorations and tourists, reflecting the community's mourning in light of the war in Gaza. Mayor Anton Salman emphasized the need to limit celebrations out of respect for the ongoing suffering, while families like Alice Kisiya's express the pain of living under the threat of Israeli settlements and legal battles. Meanwhile, in Gaza, nearly 1,000 Christians are sheltering in churches with inadequate resources, mourning the loss of family and friends amid bombings. The Latin Patriarch, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, visited Gaza, offering hope and reassurance to the beleaguered community, while emphasizing the importance of resilience and rebuilding after the conflict. Both communities share a somber reflection on the significance of Christmas amidst despair, with traditions modified in response to the surrounding violence.