Bethlehem Nativity Church: A bare scene
A Palestinian National security unit is deployed in Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, ahead of Christmas, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:13 AM PT – Thursday, December 24, 2020
Local officials in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem said they will move forward with their scaled-back Christmas celebrations despite the lack of visitors amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
As the town is revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, a wooden nativity scene and large Christmas tree could be seen in the empty Manger Square on Thursday. The town thrives on tourism and the drop in Christmas travel has shuttered local hotels as well as restaurants.
“Actually this year is very much different than all other years,” explained Rula Ma’ayah, Palestinian Minister of Tourism. “Last year we received tourists and patrons from all over the world, we had around 3.5 million tourists…this year we didn’t receive tourists.”
Today far fewer Christians will be able to visit the Nativity Church in Bethlehem. The 14 pointed star marks the place where all who come to worship the Christ-child would stoop. We pray for all for whom this Christmas will be a lonely one. We are not alone – God is with us. pic.twitter.com/BVDEKMJUT3
— Richard Sewell (@sgcjerusalem) December 24, 2020
Palestinian officials noted this year’s Christmas celebrations will be held with COVID-19 precautions in place.
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