Christians celebrate the lighting of Christmas tree in Bethlehem

Thousands of faithful and dignitaries attended Saturday’s lighting of the giant Christmas tree in Bethlehem outside the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus. It included dancing, a beautiful orchestra, and encouraging words from a Father Patton and the prime minister. Christmas celebrations this year in the biblical city of Bethlehem have a different touch with Pope Francis gifting Bethlehem back a remnant of what is believed to be Jesus' manger, after it being kept Europe for over 1000 years. Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah shared that he hoped that this year's lighting of the Christmas tree would send a message of peace to the nations.