In the midst of what is typically a season of merriment and joy, Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem and beyond are grappling with feelings of helplessness, pain, and worry as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to escalate. Thousands of miles away in New York, the Rev. Khader Khalilia, a Palestinian American pastor, is filled with guilt at the thought of celebrating Christmas while Palestinian children suffer.

Khalilia, the pastor of Redeemer-St. John's Lutheran Church, expressed his struggle, saying, "How can I do it while the Palestinian children are suffering, have no shelter or a place to lay their heads?" The ongoing war has cast a shadow over the festivities, leaving many Palestinian Christians mourning, advocating for an end to the violence, and frantically attempting to secure the safety of their loved ones.

Suzan Sahori, executive director of Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans, has been working tirelessly with local artisans to bring olive wood Christmas ornaments into homes across Australia, Europe, and North America. However, Sahori finds it increasingly difficult to engage in the usual festivities this year. "We're broken, looking at all these children, all this killing," she lamented.

In the occupied West Bank, Sahori plans to pray for peace and justice on Christmas day. Grateful for her own safety, she is burdened by the uncertainty of the situation, wondering if that will change. Mixed with her gratitude is anger, as she questions why God would allow such suffering. "The joy in my heart is stolen," she admits. "I'm mad at God; I hope He forgives me."

The usual vibrant Christmas spirit in the Bethlehem area has been replaced by somberness and silence. Tree lighting ceremonies, once a cherished tradition, have been called off. The heads of churches in Jerusalem have encouraged congregations to focus on the spiritual significance of Christmas and to pray fervently for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, triggered by Hamas' October 7th killings and hostage-taking in Israel, has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians. As the casualties mount, the pain and suffering felt by Palestinian Christians in the midst of the holiday season are intensified.

Palestinian Christians are grappling with conflicting emotions this Christmas, torn between the desire to celebrate and the overwhelming sadness of the war that surrounds them. With fervent prayers for peace and justice, they cling to the hope that the Christmas message will bring solace and healing to their beloved Holy Land.