By Grace Al-zoughbi, Linga

This is the place where everything started. From the very heart of Bethlehem, the story of Redemption began when God incarnated in the form of a human being more than two thousand years ago! The story of Christmas is the story of unlimited Love, the story of Jesus who “did not count equality with God as something to be grasped” and so He came to earth to live amongst us. His name is Emmanuel-God is with us! Jesus was born in Bethlehem to fill all hearts everywhere with HIS hope. Jesus was born to heal the broken hearted, to set the captives free, to liberate the bandaged, and for this very reason we celebrate Christmas and celebrate Jesus every day.

Just like it is ever year round this time, the city of Bethlehem witnessed many celebrations since the early hours of the morning of the 24th of December. Many groups and choirs sang Christmas Carols in Manger Square. The Shepherds Group from Beit Sahour sang a variety of songs such as “My Heart has been prepared as a manger for the Lord” and “Go Visit them in their Home”.  The attendance sang joyfully with the choir!  The Palestinian singer, Fares Abu Farha also sang a few songs such as “Mary Did you Know?!” and “Lord Bless my Nation” praying that God would bless Palestine and the people of Palestine and that His peace that passes all understanding will fill their hearts. Fares came especially from the States to celebrate Christmas in his hometown. He also shared with the attendance that God’s peace is able to unchain people from every bondage and to set them free from sin.

Later on in the day, the Patriarch Fuad Twal’s Procession arrived in Bethlehem. The procession started in Jerusalem and was joined by many Scout groups from Bethlehem and other Palestinian Cities. The  city was hustling and bustling with visitors who came from all over the world to celebrate this wonderful occasion, in addition to the locals. Everyone looked happy; families and friends took plenty of photographs in front of the enormous Christmas tree and the  nativity set in Manger Square.

Many  groups and choirs continued to sing  and perform throughout the afternoon and evening, such as Ramallah’s Local church choir and Beit Alliqa’s  group that  had a joint performance with KISI.

here were also other local and international groups singing and worshipping the Lord.

There was also a midnight mass at Saint Catherine’s church in Bethlehem which President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials and world representatives attended, in addition to the many tourists, pilgrims and locals.
Bethlehem that is “not the least amongst the cities of Judah” warmly welcomed  its guests and visitors at Christmas. However, the question that remains is whether the citizens of Bethlehem and its guests welcomed Jesus  in their hearts, lives and homes?! May God prepare the hearts of everyone  so that they would welcome Him as Lord, Saviour, and Shepherd, because HE only is the “ruler that looks after his people.”

Merry Christmas from Bethlehem, the city of peace and GOOD NEWS!