News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

christmas-tree-bethlehem-main_article_image.jpg
REX/APAImages
World News

Christians to tone down Christmas in Bethlehem

by Hannah Tooley

Palestinian officials are said to have given the instructions following ten weeks of violence, where more than 144 people were killed.

120 were Palestinian and 22 were Israeli.

Violence has been ongoing and an 18-month-old baby was injured when a man drove into Jerusalem bus stop on Monday.

Lights and Christmas decorations are being limited to a few streets and the annual Christmas Eve firework display has been called off.

The Church nativity, built on the site Jesus was born, has seen few pilgrims compared to previous years and the tourism industry is taking a hit, according to The Sunday Times.

However, Mayor of Bethlehem, Vera Baboun, has defended the scaled-back Christmas decorations: "[We] are a Palestinian city that suffers from the injuries, the martyrs.

"In our Christmas celebration we're going to be together. We are one in pain."

However Atallah Hanna, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem disagreed in an open letter: "Do not kill the joy of Christmas in my country.

"Do not deprive our children of the joy of Christmas.

"Christmas is not just about religious rituals.

"It is about spreading joy and hope in the hearts of our people."

Christians on the West Bank echo his feelings, Mathais Kassis, 35, said: "Between the occupation and the poor economy, there is so little to celebrate in Palestine.

"This is the time we should be able to find joy."

Tens of thousands of pilgrims are expected on Christmas Day, however most are expected to remain in Jerusalem.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate