The Church of Scotland issued a statement amid the cancellation of Christmas celebrations in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Beit Lahm, for a second year, due to the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.

Over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing brutal aggression on Gaza, while Israeli settler violence and raids by Israeli occupation forces have further escalated tensions in Beit Lahm, a city once filled with visitors.

The streets, typically aglow with Christmas lights, are eerily quiet, devoid of the usual seasonal events or festive markets this year. Just 46 miles from Gaza, Beit Lahm remains in a state of mourning, with even the December advent calendar left untouched, reflecting the somber mood that blankets the city.

As Scotland celebrates Christmas, the Church of Scotland urged people to "remember those in suffering," regardless of their faith.

A church spokesperson shared that the Church joins the World Council of Churches in echoing a message from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in occupied al-Quds. They encouraged congregations in the Holy Land to commemorate Christ's birth in ways that are sensitive to the hardships millions face in the region.

"We also think about what is happening in the Middle East today," the spokesperson said. "In the spirit of Christmas and following the example of Jesus Christ, whose birthday we celebrate, we remember those in suffering, in pain and in grief, and those who have been displaced from their homes, whatever their faith or background."

The Church further highlighted the resilience of Christians in the Holy Land, who continue to embody Christ's light in the very places he lived and died. "In that hopeful Christmas spirit, we look hopefully to moves towards a ceasefire in Gaza and give thanks for the agreement of a ceasefire already in place in Lebanon."

The statement also called for prayers for peace in other war zones, advocating for the release of prisoners, the return of the displaced, and support for the wounded. "We continue to pray for lasting peace... and make peace in our world our universal priority."

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"We call upon all Christians and those of goodwill around the world to join us in praying and working towards these noble goals," the spokesperson concluded.

'We want life, not death': Beit Lahm's Christmas subdued amid genocide

Beit Lahm's Christmas celebrations were subdued, with no decorations or tree at the Church of the Nativity, as the city marked another year overshadowed by the ongoing genocide in Gaza, AFP reported Tuesday. 

Revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Beit Lahm opted for modest festivities to show solidarity with Palestinians suffering in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Al-Quds resident Hisham Makhoul, visiting Beit Lahm for Christmas, called the experience an "escape" from the war. "What we're going through is very difficult, and we can't completely forget about it," he said, acknowledging the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. "It's an escape... for a few days, a week or so, no more than this."

Palestinian Christians turn #Christmas parade into protest against the Genocide in Gaza.

Will the world listen to them? pic.twitter.com/f8F8YEFzDp

— Syrian Girl 🇸🇾 (@Partisangirl) December 21, 2024

In Beit Lahm's city center, the Terra Sancta Scout Troop, dressed in red scarves, marched through the main shopping street. Vendors sold nougat and shawarma while children's carols echoed in the air. Their banners carried somber messages: "We want life, not death" and "Stop the Gaza genocide now!"

A large Christmas tree typically decorates Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave believed to be Jesus's birthplace. However, for the second consecutive year, the municipality refrained from such displays in light of the ongoing war.

Standing next to the statue of Jerome of Stridon, the Christian priest who translated the Bible into Latin, Makhoul said, "Although this year is very different from other years, it still means a lot to us to be here." 

Read more: Syrian Christians urged to limit Christmas celebrations amid tensions