A Holy Land Christmas in the age of COVID-19

A Holy Land Christmas in the age of COVID-19

Like so many of us around the world, the people of Bethlehem have spent the year in and out of lockdown and they are spending Christmas under a strict curfew.It has been a devastating year, but Bethlehem is a town built on a story of faith. Its people have lived through huge challenges and on a pre-Christmas visit I have found hope not despair.

"With the lighting of Bethlehem's Christmas tree... we have conveyed to the world signs of hope, faith and love," the town's mayor Anton Salman said as the huge Christmas tree was lit in an empty Manger Square at the heart of the town.

Image:

The main Christmas tree at Manger Square, close to where Christians believe Jesus was born



On the square's eastern edge is the Church of the Nativity, built on