Christmas in Bethlehem is one of the most significant settings in the world for celebrating Christmas Eve. Bethlehem, the Palestinian town in which Jesus was born, is located in the West Bank, just a few minutes south of Jerusalem.
“There is no room in the inn”, was the statement that led to having baby Jesus be born in a manger in the heart of the little town of Bethlehem. This year however, there’s plenty of room in the inn; but there is no room for us to celebrate for the sake of public health and safety. While the festivities such as the annual tree lighting on the first advent and a few of the welcoming celebrations this year are mostly canceled for the general public, watching them on TV or through online broadcasts had to do the trick. Upcoming celebrations, prayers, and gatherings will also have to be canceled, but that’s the case for the entire world.
This pandemic knows no borders, all families from all over the globe, who were expecting to celebrate the holidays this season have to face a cold reality.
The majority of the local economy relies on tourism, Bethlehem was, in turn, severely affected due to the pandemic. This negative effect is truly felt this holiday season, with mediocre Christmas decorations and businesses shutting down. This economic tragedy is truly felt this holiday season but it does not take away from the cheer and excitement everyone has for the small scale, homey celebrations coming up.
Everyone all over the world is hoping for a Christmas miracle which will relieve the world of this adversity. But for now, taking precautions is all that we’re left with along with hopes for a COVID-free reality soon.
Merry Christmas!