Christmas in Bethlehem
  
     
 
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The little town where Jesus was born is the site of the Church of the Nativity, which is ablaze with flags and decorations every Christmas. In the Holy Land town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, thousands of people rang in the holiday in Manger Square. On Christmas Eve natives and visitors alike crowd the church's doorways and stand on the roof to watch for the dramatic annual procession. Galloping horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses lead the parade. They are followed by solitary horseman carrying a cross and sitting astride a coal-black steed. Then come the churchmen and government officials. The procession solemnly enters the doors and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the birth of Jesus.

Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square.

 
     
     
  Oh Little Town of Bethlehem  
     
  Alternative Xmas Carol, sung by 'Just Peace UK ' anti-occupation protestors


Oh little town of Bethlehem ,
How still we see thee lie!
A wall is laid where tourists stayed,
And tanks go rolling by.
And in thy dark streets shineth
No cheerful Christmas light;
The grief and fears of three sad years
Are met in thee tonight.


How silently, how silently
The world regards it all,
As now thy heart is torn apart
By Israel's ghetto wall.
They terrorize a people
A war crime and a sin;
Their winding "fence" can make no sense;
Revenge can still get in.


Oh promised child of Bethlehem,
Cast down the iron cage,
The walls of hate that separate
And harden and enrage;
Bring justice and make equal;
Come down from far above;
And come to birth upon this earth,
As hope and peace and love.