A large Christmas tree usually stands in Manger Square, opposite the Church of the Nativity which is built atop a cave where Christians believe Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago.
But like last year, Bethlehem’s municipality had decided to opt for modest celebrations out of respect for Palestinians suffering in Gaza.
Makhoul said it was still important for him to spend Christmas time in Bethlehem, which is located about 10 kilometres (six miles) from his home in Jerusalem, beyond the separation wall built by Israel.
“Although this year is very different from other years, it still means a lot to us to be here,” said Makhoul, who was visiting with his partner.
Next to a statue of Jerome of Stridon, an early Christian priest who translated the Bible from Hebrew into Latin, Makhoul said he was glad to see “the happy kids around and Christian families celebrating”.
Prayers for peace
For Christians in the Holy Land, who number about 185,000 in Israel and 47,000 in the Palestinian territories, prayer can offer solace and hope for a better future.
“We’re going to pray and ask God to end our suffering, to give this part of the world the peace that we expect, the peace that Jesus brought to the world,” said Anton Salman, the mayor of Bethlehem.
