Every Christmas, my mother has embraced the tradition of creating the most ornate nativity scene imaginable. What started out as an annual project in her home has now spread to her local church, where churchgoers eagerly await her nativity display.
My mother, as a native of that little town of Bethlehem you many of heard of in the Bible, is considered one of the living stones of Christianity. Palestinian Christians are the descendants of the earliest followers of Christ, and their presence today serves as a testament to the Church’s continuous presence in the land where Christianity was born.
For Palestinian Christians, Christmas is more than a festive occasion; it is a deeply spiritual celebration that reflects their connection to the land and their identity as custodians of the ancient holy sites, from the Church of Nativity to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to where He rose from the dead. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, becomes the heart of their Christmas festivities, drawing local and international pilgrims alike to participate in the sacred rituals.
Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world, is the focal point of celebrations. The church houses the grotto where tradition holds that Jesus was born. On Christmas Eve, the city comes alive with processions, caroling, and prayers. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem leads the Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, an event attended by thousands. As Palestinian Christians, we watch this mass live via satellite every year.
Palestinian Christians mark the season with vibrant street decorations, nativity scenes, and cultural events. Traditional Palestinian foods, such as maamoul (date-filled cookies) and stuffed grape leaves, are shared in family gatherings, symbolizing community and generosity.
Palestinian Christians are stewards of Christianity’s sacred legacy, and sadly they are being ethnically cleansed both in Gaza and in the West Bank. I always encourage tourists to visit the town of Bethlehem, where Palestinian Christians eagerly await with their hospitality and warmth. I often wonder what will become of the holy sites once all the Christians are gone.What I do know is people like my mother will continue the tradition, and I will keep her legacy alive for my children as well. .
To see my mother’s nativity scene, as well as a short tour of the Church of nativity itself, click on my new video below
This gives me chill bumps. I pray for the people of Palestine every day. May our Lord and Savior grant them peace and allow them to have a nice Christmas
Thank you so much, just saw your comment and they can still use your prayers. They turned Palm Sunday and Easter into an absolute hellscape for worshipers 🙁