All the Palestinian churches have made the difficult decision to cancel their festive Christmas celebrations this year, choosing instead to express unity with Gaza and reject the ongoing aggression against Palestinians. The churches, located in the occupied West Bank, will limit their activities to masses and prayers as a symbolic gesture of support. In the city of Bethlehem, one church has taken a unique approach to reflect the reality of children living in Palestine today by placing the symbolic Baby Jesus in a manger of rubble and destruction. This powerful representation aims to highlight the suffering of Gaza’s children, who have become victims of relentless Israeli bombardment and find themselves buried under the remnants of their own homes.
Reverend Munther Isaac, speaking on behalf of the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, stated that if Christ were to be born today, he would be born amidst the rubble and Israeli shelling. By portraying the nativity scene in this manner, the church leaders hope to convey a message that aligns with the birth of Christ – the messenger of justice, peace, and dignity for humanity. It is a reminder that Christ was not born among the conquerors or those with military power but in an occupied country, much like Palestine 2,000 years ago.
The decision to depict the nativity scene in such a way has evoked strong emotions among the local community. Um Bishara, a mother of four, was moved to tears upon seeing Baby Jesus amidst the rubble. She dedicated her prayers to the children of Gaza, hoping for their safety and peace. The faithful in the Holy Land, like Um Bishara, believe that their prayers during Christmas can help alleviate the pain and suffering, replacing them with hope and peace.
Reverend Isaac recently delivered a letter from the churches of Bethlehem to the US administration in Washington, DC. The letter appealed to US President Biden, the US Congress, and leaders of US churches to embody Christ’s message of rejecting injustice and to bring an end to the genocidal war in Gaza. Isaac lamented the fact that some individuals in the West justified Israel’s assault on Gaza as self-defense, ignoring the countless innocent lives lost and the destruction of essential institutions like churches and hospitals. He acknowledged that the path to change would be long, as the struggle for Palestinians goes beyond this particular war and encompasses the fight for their legitimacy as a people.
Anton Nassar, principal of the Dar Al-Kalima Lutheran School in Bethlehem, acknowledged the sadness and pain that permeates the city this year. However, he emphasized that hope still exists, symbolized by the birth of Jesus amidst the rubble. This painting not only represents the harsh reality Palestinians face but also serves as a beacon of hope for a just peace in their country. Nassar called for an immediate cessation of the genocidal war on Gaza, praying for the people of Gaza to experience a peace founded on justice.
In conclusion, the cancellation of Christmas festivities by Palestinian churches serves as a powerful statement of solidarity with Gaza and condemnation of the ongoing aggression. The nativity scene, depicting Baby Jesus amidst the rubble, aims to draw attention to the plight of Gaza’s children and reflect the message of Christ’s birth in a troubled land. The church leaders hope that their prayers and appeals for peace will resonate with the world and bring about meaningful change. While the situation remains challenging, the people of Bethlehem hold on to hope and continue to strive for an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
