There was no jubilant countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree in the main square. In fact, there is no Christmas tree at all. Bethlehem is facing its second bleak Christmas since the ...

But this year there is silence: No Christmas carols, no Christmas tree, no decorations. Only a few journalists have come to the square to report on the sad event. This is already the second year ...

All. Amen. (Sprinkles tree with holy water.) Then the family can sing a song, an Advent carol, if it knows one, then it is time to bless the crib and eat Christmas Eve supper.