A Somber Christmas Eve Amid Global Conflicts

Christmas Eve in 2024 was marked by an air of somber reflection as the world observed the holiday under the shadow of ongoing conflicts, particularly the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, stood as a poignant symbol of these struggles, with its streets quieter than usual. Normally adorned with festive lights and a towering Christmas tree, Manger Square was devoid of the usual cheer. The bustling crowds of international tourists were missing, as were the vibrant sounds of Palestinian scouts, replaced by a somber silence.

Bethlehem’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, suffered a severe blow, with a dramatic decline in visitors. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the city attracted over 2 million visitors annually. This year, fewer than 100,000 tourists were expected, significantly impacting local businesses, especially during the Christmas season, which accounts for around 70% of the city's income.

The violence in the West Bank, with over 800 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October, has compounded the struggles in Bethlehem. Military checkpoints, severe travel restrictions, and economic hardships have created an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. Many Palestinians have been unable to leave the region, with some 150,000 workers unable to cross into Israel for employment. The ongoing war, sparked by the October 7 Hamas attack, has caused massive displacement and disruption.

In the midst of this bleak reality, religious leaders such as Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed hope for a brighter future, reflecting on the shuttered shops and empty streets in Bethlehem. He told congregants that this Christmas should be "the last one so sad."

This year's Christmas Eve in Gaza was similarly somber, with many Christians displaced and sheltering in churches, struggling with the harsh conditions of war. One displaced woman, Najla Tarazi, expressed hope that next year they would be able to celebrate Christmas in their homes and return to Bethlehem.

Elsewhere in the world, the spirit of Christmas found its expression in different ways. In Paris, the restoration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral offered a symbol of resilience. Thousands gathered to celebrate the first Christmas Eve Mass there since the 2019 fire. In Syria, the town of Saydnaya, ravaged by a decade of war, found a rare moment of joy as a towering Christmas tree was illuminated in the town square.

In the U.S., churches offered messages of hope and faith. At City Church in Madison, Wisconsin, the community gathered to find joy in God’s love, even in the wake of a recent tragedy. Pastor Tom Flaherty reminded his congregation that true joy comes from within and from God’s grace, regardless of external circumstances.

In other parts of the world, people found ways to celebrate and connect. In Barcelona, volunteers delivered Christmas cheer to seafarers, while in the Balkans, the first snow in years brought a sense of wonder amidst the challenges.

As the world reflects on another Christmas Eve marked by global conflicts, there remains hope for healing, peace, and a future where joy can be fully restored.