Tens of thousands of Christians gather in Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
On Wednesday, thousands of Christians gathered in Bethlehem for the celebration of Christmas. The day was filled with festivities and performances as Christians from around the globe gathered at the birthplace of Jesus.
Christmas trees, festive attire, and music were prevalent in the town of Bethlehem. Scouts performed with bagpipes and drums as Christians had a procession throughout the town.
The day, though full of celebration, was unavoidably tinged with grief. 2014 saw the horrors of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as atrocities committed by ISIS. Thousands of Christians and other minority groups in the Middle East were forced to leave their homes and relocate due to threats; the Gaza strip is still in rubble and thousands of families displaced as the cold winter approaches.
Bethlehem is currently a Palestinian town and has not escaped the effects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ten years ago, the Israeli government installed a cement barricade separating Bethlehem from Jerusalem; the alleged reason was to prevent attacks by suicide bombers. The wall, though having sentimental repercussions, further limits the economy of the Palestinian town.
Important Christian figures made appearances and gave input regarding the Christmas celebration as well as the current state of the Middle East. As multitudes of believers gathered in Manger Square, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, lead a procession.
"I hope next year there will be no separation wall and I hope we will have bridges of peace instead," said Patriarch Twal. "Peace comes from justice and we have a cause which we hope will be solved soon."
The message being spread in Bethlehem for this season is that of justice. A large banner is displayed next to the Church of the Nativity, which is believed to be the site of Jesus's birth over 2000 years ago. "All I want for Christmas is justice," is written in both English and Arabic on the banner.
Pope Francis sent a letter to the Christians in the Middle East on Tuesday, sympathizing with their suffering.
"Sadly, afflictions and tribulations have not been lacking, even more recently, in the Middle East. They have been aggravated in the past months because of the continuing hostilities in the region, but especially because of the work of a newer and disturbing terrorist organization, of previously unimaginable dimensions, which has perpetrated all kinds of abuses and inhuman acts. It has particularly affected a number of you, who have been brutally driven out of your native lands, where Christians have been present since apostolic times," he wrote.
The Pope went on to encourage the Christians in the Middle East, asking them to persevere amid the persecution. He quoted Romans 8:35, then expanded on the encouragement.
"May you always bear witness to Jesus amid your difficulties! Your very presence is precious for the Middle East. You are a small flock, but one with a great responsibility in the land where Christianity was born and first spread. You are like leaven in the dough. Even more than the many contributions which the Church makes in the areas of education, healthcare and social services, which are esteemed by all, the greatest source of enrichment in the region is the presence of Christians themselves, your presence. Thank you for your perseverance!" wrote Pope Francis.
