Bethlehem's Christmas tree has been illuminated for the first time in two years, a poignant symbol of resilience amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ceremony in Manger Square, presided over by Mayor Maher Canawati, represented a deliberate, albeit controversial, return to public festivity after a significant hiatus. This event drew a considerable number of local residents and a small contingent of visitors to the revered site of Jesus's birth.

The decision to reinstate the annual tradition, which includes upcoming ceremonies in neighboring towns, was not made without considerable deliberation. For the preceding two years, municipal authorities had cancelled all public Christmas celebrations to express solidarity with the profound suffering in Gaza and to acknowledge widespread local mourning. The resumption of festivities this past Saturday, following a recent and fragile ceasefire, was framed by city leaders as an act of defiance against despair. Furthermore, it was deemed a necessary step towards economic survival for a city heavily dependent on pilgrimage and tourism.

The two-hour ceremony artfully reflected the complex emotions of the current situation. Stripped of its usual boisterous dances and festive songs, the program predominantly featured hymns and prayers for peace, cultivating a subdued atmosphere that acknowledged the pervasive regional trauma. The towering evergreen, embellished with red and gold ornaments, served as a focal point for a community desperately yearning for a return to normalcy. Streets are now beginning to twinkle with lights, and advertisements for Christmas bazaars have reappeared, signaling a cautious effort to revive the seasonal spirit.

This tentative revival offers a crucial lifeline for local entrepreneurs. Business owners, like Jack Gaccaman, have experienced a dramatic decline in commerce, forcing numerous establishments to close permanently. An encouraging influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel, coupled with a modest number of foreign tourists, has provided some much-needed relief to long-empty hotels. Jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun articulated a sentiment shared by many, stating, "This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about." The event therefore serves a dual purpose: an internal morale booster for a weary population and an external signal to the world that Bethlehem remains open.

Nevertheless, the celebration exists within a stark and unforgiving reality. Mayor Canawati acknowledged the inherent tension in holding a festive event while violence persists just miles away, describing the tree as "the light of hope for us." The severe economic crisis continues, with many families having already sent members abroad in search of better opportunities. The moment provided a fleeting respite from years of hardship, but it was underscored by an acute awareness of the ongoing tragedy. The illumination in Manger Square transcends a mere seasonal ritual; it is a nuanced statement of perseverance. Whether this symbolic act can catalyze sustained economic recovery or foster a deeper sense of hope remains uncertain. For one evening, however, the familiar glow returned to Bethlehem’s heart, a deliberate and fragile beacon pointing towards a future where peace and celebration might once again align.