Emerging from the shadow of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, hundreds of worshippers joined the Church of the Nativity mass in Bethlehem as the Palestinian city ushered in a festive Christmas for first time in two years.
Throughout the war that began with Hamas' incursion on Israel in October 2023, a somber tone had marked Christmases in the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ. But celebrations returned full swing Wednesday with crowded parades and music in the occupied West Bank city, as a fragile truce held in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people face winter in makeshift tents.
With pews of the Church of the Nativity filled long before midnight, many stood or sat on the floor for the traditional mass to usher in Christmas Day.
At 11:15 p.m. (9:15 p.m. GMT) organ music rang out as a procession of dozens of clergymen entered, followed by Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who blessed the crowd with signs of the cross.
In his homily, Pizzaballa urged peace, hope and rebirth, saying the Nativity story still held relevance in the turbulence of modern times.
"Christmas ... invites us to look beyond the logic of domination, to rediscover the power of love, solidarity, and of justice," he told the congregation.
He spoke of his visit to war-battered Gaza over the weekend, where he said "suffering is still present" despite the cease-fire.
"The wounds are deep, yet I have to say, here too, there too, their proclamation of Christmas resounds," he said. "When I met them, I was struck by their strength and desire to start over."
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, after he called for "24 hours of peace in the whole world."
The American pontiff, elected in May after Pope Francis's death, said Christmas was a feast of "faith, charity and hope" and criticized a "distorted economy" that treats humans "as mere merchandise."
Leo stuck to a very religious homily without any direct reference to current affairs.
Across the world, families gathered for Christmas Eve as millions of children everywhere awaited eagerly for their gifts to be delivered.
In Bethlehem, drums and bagpipes playing renditions of popular Christmas carols filled the air, as Christians young and old made their way to the city's central Manger Square.
"Today is full of joy because we haven't been able to celebrate because of the war," said Milagros Anstas, 17, dressed in the yellow and blue uniform of Bethlehem's Salesian scout group.
Hundreds took part in the parade down Bethlehem's narrow Star Street, while a dense crowd massed in the square.
Men dressed as Santa Claus sold toffee apples and toys as families took photographs in front of a nativity scene framed by a giant star.
As darkness fell, multi-coloured lights shone over Manger Square and a towering Christmas tree glittered next to the Church of the Nativity.
The basilica dates back to the fourth century and was built on top of a grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago.
Bethlehem residents hope the return of Christmas festivities will breathe life back into the city.
"We need to get the message to the whole world and this is the only way," said George Hanna, from the neighbouring town of Beit Jala.
"What is Christmas without celebrating?"
Italian pilgrim Carmelina Piedimonte said witnessing the celebrations filled her with hope.
"If in your heart you have love, then it's possible to have a world without war," she said, as bells rang out behind her.
In Syria, Christmas lights illuminated Damascus's Old City despite the Christian community's fears of violence after a deadly attack in June.
Around the district, home to a vibrant community and several important churches, red baubles hung from trees, shopkeepers put up Christmas decorations and street vendors peddled warm chestnuts.
"Syria deserves joy and for us to be happy, and to hope for a new future," said student Loris Aasaf, 20, as she soaked up the atmosphere with her friends.
