No large Christmas tree has been erected this year at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Instead, people held a candlelight vigil for victims of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
In Manger Square in front of the church, a nativity scene has been created from barbed wire and rubble to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Church officials and families gathered on Saturday to pray for victims of the conflict, which has reportedly claimed over 20,000 dead so far.
A 12-year-old boy who came with his family said he prayed for peace.
A 60-year-old man said he could not celebrate a joyous Christmas while people are being killed and driven from their homes.
In Manger Square in front of the church, a nativity scene has been created from barbed wire and rubble to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Church officials and families gathered on Saturday to pray for victims of the conflict, which has reportedly claimed over 20,000 dead so far.
A 12-year-old boy who came with his family said he prayed for peace.
A 60-year-old man said he could not celebrate a joyous Christmas while people are being killed and driven from their homes.
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Summary
No large Christmas tree was erected at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity this year due to a vigil for Gaza conflict victims. A nativity scene made from barbed wire and debris replaced it, symbolizing solidarity with Gaza residents. Prayers were held for over 20,000 reported casualties. Attendees
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ID: 31f49b6c-dbd8-4ccb-b77b-c207cbc14b11
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231224_07/
Date: Dec. 24, 2023
Created: 2023/12/24 19:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 19:50
Last Read: 2023/12/24 20:56