Bethlehem is a popular city notable for being the birth place of Jesus Christ. It is only natural that the celebration of Christmas, a day set aside to mark the birth of Jesus Christ will be done in a grand way in the city. However, the case is different this year as the celebrations have been cancelled.
The significant event was cancelled by a council of Christian leaders in the city – the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, which is an interdenominational council of pastors and bishops who are in charge of churches in the city.
They jointly released a statement made available to Fox News Digital on November 10, 2023, saying, “Each year during the sacred seasons of Advent and Christmastide, our Christian communities throughout the Holy Land take great delight in their preparations for the commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“But these are not normal times. Since the start of the (Israel-Hamas) war, there has been an atmosphere of sadness and pain. Thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children, have died or suffered serious injuries.
“Many more grieve over the loss of their homes, their loved ones, or the uncertain fate of those dear to them. Throughout the region, even more have lost their work and are suffering from serious economic challenges. Despite our repeated calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence, the war (still) continues.”
There have been thousands of recorded deaths in the Israel-Hamas war which began on October 7, 2023, and it is on this basis that Christians in the region are enjoined to celebrate the festive season solemnly.
The statement continued, “Therefore, we, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, call upon our congregations to stand strong with those facing such afflictions by this year foregoing any unnecessarily festive activities.
“We likewise encourage our priests and the faithful to focus more on the spiritual meaning of Christmas in their pastoral activities and liturgical celebrations during this period. All focus should be directed at our brothers and sisters affected by this war and its consequences, and with fervent prayers for a just and lasting peace for our beloved Holy Land.”
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