It is impossible to celebrate Christmas without thinking of Bethlehem. The ancient tradition that it was the place of Christ’s birth is enshrined in many of the carols we joyfully sing each year. Yet in recent years it has been hard to celebrate a joyous Christmas there. Life had been hard since the erection by Israel of the West Bank Barrier from 2002, and this intensified after the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas in 2023 led to horrendous reprisals by Israel on Gaza. The ceasefire negotiated in January this year is fragile. Embrace the Middle East reports that “critical aid like food and fuel is being distributed in Gaza” but “essential items, such as generators, are often denied entry”.

The Palestinian community is divided between Gaza and the West Bank, and the repercussions of what happens in Gaza are naturally felt in Bethlehem. After two dark Christmases, a Christmas tree stands this year in Manger Square and lights up the sky as a beacon of hope. Bethlehem, at least at the moment, is safe, according to its mayor. The pastor of the Lutheran Church, Rev Munther Isaac, says; “Bethlehem is beautifully decorated and the tree is lit, but there is a deep sorrow on every Palestinian…Palestinians send a message of resilience; we are still here, determined to keep Bethlehem the capital of Christmas”.

There is still bombing in Gaza and the continuing establishment of new Israeli settlements on the illegally occupied West Bank are ongoing obstacles to peace. Whilst we sing our Bethlehem-set carols with joy, let us not forget our brother and sister Christians in Bethlehem, the West Bank and Gaza. They are on the front line of a centuries-old struggle. May the flame of their love of Christ blaze with faith and love. And may our own faith and love be kindled afresh as we continue our Christmas celebrations this weekend. May the flame of our faith in God-with Us never go out.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light,

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Michael Kingston