Birthplace of Jesus to resume Christmas celebrations after war forced a two-year pause

Christmas cheer volition beryllium returning to the historical metropolis of Bethlehem successful the West Bank aft a two-year intermission owed to the warfare successful Gaza. 

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati announced that festivities volition instrumentality starting Dec. 6, with a Christmas histrion lighting successful celebrated Manger Square.

"From the bosom of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, the metropolis of bid — erstwhile again, we ignite the occurrence of anticipation and rise our prayers for peace," said the politician successful a video posted to Instagram.

HISTORIC ITALIAN VILLAGE CREDITED FOR FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND CHRISTMAS NATIVITY SCENE DRAWS CROWDS FOR 800 YEARS

"Let america observe unneurotic the connection of Christmas," helium added. "Glory to God successful the highest — connected earth, peace, goodwill to all. Bethlehem keeps the airy alive."

Located successful the halfway of Bethlehem, Manger Square is named for the manger successful which Jesus was laid aft his birth.

The metropolis of Bethlehem has announced that Christmas celebrations volition instrumentality starting Dec. 6, aft a two-year intermission owed to the warfare successful Gaza. (Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images)

Robert Jeffress, elder pastor of First Baptist Church successful Dallas, Texas, told Fox News Digital it is encouraging to spot the "little municipality of Bethlehem" once again celebrating the commencement of "the astir important idiosyncratic successful history."

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He added, "While we rejoice successful this impermanent bid agreement, which has led to a cessation of hostilities successful the area, we should admit that specified a bid is lone temporary."

Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from astir the satellite question to Bethlehem during the vacation season. (Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Jefress continued, "The Bible teaches determination volition beryllium nary lasting bid successful the Middle East until the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, returns to world to found his kingdom."

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Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from astir the satellite question to Bethlehem during the vacation season.

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In 2019, the politician astatine the time, Anton Salman, told Time Magazine helium was expecting 1.4 cardinal visitors for Christmas festivities.

The Church of the Nativity was built implicit the grotto (pictured), which is traditionally identified arsenic the birthplace of Jesus Christ. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

"I person been politician for 2.5 years," helium said that year. "I person celebrated Christmas for 3 seasons and each season, [celebrations] are much organized and much charismatic for the section assemblage and for tourists."

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The Church of the Nativity was precocious renovated successful 2019 and built implicit the grotto traditionally identified arsenic the birthplace of Jesus Christ.