Commentary: The Bells of Bethlehem

This year, the municipality of Bethlehem decided to scale back its celebrations. In Manger Square, the city’s Christmas tree was lit last week, but there were no fireworks — just Christmas bells — out of respect for those who have been injured and killed during these months of tension. According to the UN, 103 Palestinians and 17 Israelis were killed in October and November; and 11,299 Palestinians and 182 Israelis were injured. Mrs. Vera Babun, Bethlehem’s Christian mayor, commented, “While celebrating Christmas, we [also] celebrate life, joy and hope, but we should do that in a spirit of compassion with those who suffer, and of respect for our dead.”

The world witnesses terrible tragedies in Israel/Palestine and beyond this Christmas season. The Syrian crisis has resulted in the displacement of more than half of the Syrian population, including over 4 million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. Baghdad, Beirut, and Paris have experienced terror attacks, and the United States has seen an unprecedented number of mass shootings this year. People remain separated from their families and from hope due to wars, unresolved conflicts, and natural disasters.

Mrs. Babun stated, “The situation is critical, but we should keep on crying louder our message of peace, the message of a town which however does not know peace.” As Christians, we walk in solidarity with, and support, people everywhere who suffer indignity, injustice, and pain. At the same time, we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season, and the message of hope, joy, love and peace with justice that Jesus taught us. We pray to God that we do that respectfully, with the requisite reflection, and with a renewed commitment to live out our commitments to pray for peace and work together for justice.